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COPYRIGHT DEPOSn^ 



AUCTION BRIDGE 



Honor and fame from no condition rise; 
play wdl your cards ^ there all the honor lies. 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

A CLEAR, CONCISE, AND UP-TO-DATE STATEMENT OF THE 

TENETS, RULES, AND PRINCIPLES GOVERNING 

THE GAME OF AUCTION BRIDGE 



BY 

ANNIE BLANCHE SHELBY 

AUTHOR OF "STANDARD WHIST " 
AND "BRIDGE ABRIDGED" 

ALSO 

THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

AS IN USE BY THE LEADING CLUBS 




NEW YORK 

DUFFIELD & COMPANY 

1911 



Gk 






Copyright, 191 i, by 
DUFFIELD & COMPANY 






THE TROW PRESS, NEW YORK 



(0:.Cl.A2o'o4 99 



N^ TO 

THE DEAREST OF MOTHERS 

WHO PLAYS NEITHER WHIST, BRIDGE, NOR AUCTION 

BUT WHO, NOT BECAUSE OF THIS 

BUT IN SPITE OF IT 

IS WITTY, WISE, LOVABLE AND GRACIOUS 

THIS LITTLE WORK IS 

AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 



PREFACE 

In the fall of 1908 at which time I conducted 
my first classes in Auction Bridge, so far as I 
can determine, I being one of the first, if not the 
first, to teach the game, I was repeatedly urged to 
write a text-book on the subject. 

At that time, however, the game was so new 
and in such a tentative and experimental stage; 
principles and conventions had been so slightly 
tested; in a word, there was so little that was 
really tangible on the subject that I deemed the 
venture impracticable. 

Later, when the game assumed more definite- 
ness, conditions were such that I was unable to 
undertake the work, and it is only now, after a 
lapse of two and one half years, that I find my- 
self with the necessary leisure and in the recep- 
tive mood essential to its satisfactory accomplish- 
ment. 



PREFACE 

When Auction was first played it was governed 
by quite different principles from those governing 
it at the present time. The bidding in particular 
— this element, by the way, constituting one of 
the most potent charms of the game — was influ- 
enced by essentially different conditions. While 
the system then in use had in it much that was 
commendable, it nevertheless left much to be de- 
sired, which lack the system now in use abun- 
dantly supplies. 

This little work is thoroughly up to date and 
in strict accord with the tenets and principles of 
the game as at present played. 

I have purposely avoided any lengthy discus- 
sion of the play of Bridge proper, not only on 
the assumption that the player essaying Auction 
will have some previous knowledge of Bridge — 
this being in fact essential — but because of my 
desire to keep the book within as small a com- 
pass as possible. 

As in the case of my former works *' Stand- 
ard Whist " and " Bridge Abridged " I have 
aimed for simplicity, clearness and as far as 
sible, consistent with thoroughness, brevity. 



PREFACE 

I sincerely hope that these ends have been at- 
tained and that the work may prove a clear, faith- 
ful and agreeable guide. 

Annie Blanche Shelby, 

The Author. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Introductory i 

Preliminaries 5 

Scoring 10 

Table of Values 15 

The Dealer's First or Initial Bid 19 

The Initial No- Trump Bid 21 

The Initial Red Suit Bid 25 

The Initial Club Bid 27 

The Initial Spade Bid 29 

Second Bidder's Policy 31 

Third Bidder's Policy 40 

Fourth Bidder's Policy 47 

Second and Subsequent Rounds of Bidding . 52 

Doubling 58 

The Declarant's Play 66 

The Adversaries' Play 74 

Table of Leads 78 

Second Hand Play 82 

Third Hand Play 84 

The Discard 86 

Three-handed Auction 90 

The Laws of Auction Bridge 93 

xi 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

INTRODUCTORY 

As Bridge is a variant of Whist, so Auction 
is a variant or offshoot of Bridge, and as Bridge 
has almost if not quite supplanted Whist, so 
Auction promises in turn to supplant Bridge. 

Be this as it may, there is no doubt at the pres- 
ent time of its exceeding and constantly growing 
popularity. In social and club circles both in our 
own country and abroad the number of Bridge 
devotees is constantly diminishing and the newer, 
more diverting and who shall say, less scientific 
game, is claiming daily new recruits and receiv- 
ing, more and more, eager, rapt and absorbed 
attention. 

The element of bidding, a factor unknown to 
Bridge, and which constitutes in fact one of the 
essential differences between the two games, in- 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

vests the game with a peculiar fascination which 
few can resist, its very elusiveness supplying the 
game with new zest and giving it added charm. 

Another factor which adds greatly to its at- 
tractiveness and surrounds it with a certain 
sportsmanlike character foreign to Bridge is that 
every player at every deal rather than every 
four deals, has the chance to bid for the declara- 
tion and play the two hands, the advantage of 
which is fully understood by all Bridge players. 

How often at Bridge when holding a strong 
hand have we realized, and generally in unquiet- 
ness and perturbation of spirit that, whereas had 
we the dealer's privilege and could declare to 
suit ourselves, we would make game, or rapid 
strides towards it, in our unfortunate position 
as adversary, we could but play on the defen- 
sive and garner what few tricks we might. 

At Auction this is entirely eliminated, all play- 
ers at all deals having an equal chance, and 
while to be sure a player who uniformly holds 
the best cards, may have the most frequent op- 
portunities of playing the two hands — (this in 
fact being one of the few objections urged 



INTRODUCTORY 

against the game) it will in reality happen but 
seldom that the fates will so favor one player 
and so discriminate against the others. 

Many fine points and infinite strategy and 
finesse are involved in the process of bidding. 
Indeed when it is taken into account that to the 
fine points of Bridge play are added the often- 
times complex and strategic features of bidding, 
it becomes a mooted question that as between the 
two games, Bridge and Auction, Auction is not 
the more scientific game of the two. 

The objection at times arises that because of 
the inferences as to the holdings afforded by the 
various bids, the game becomes in a sense me- 
chanical, the players possessing greater knowl- 
edge to begin with, and depending less upon in- 
ferences as the game unfolds. While it cannot 
be denied that the inferences gained from bids 
are often helpful in enabhng one to locate certain 
suits and determine upon the relative strength 
or weakness of the respective hands, it is also 
true that to make the most of such inferences, 
weighing them in all their bearings and finally 
weaving them into a stronghold of attack or de- 

3 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

fense, as the case may be, calls for mentality 
and skill of the most consummate and finished 
order. 

Besides : much information and many valuable 
inferences are at times obtainable from the dec- 
laration at Bridge. More especially is this true 
when the declaration is an " over." 

Auction has been aptly described as a combi- 
nation of Vingt, Solo, Whist and Bridge. It is 
certainly correctly named, since the declaration 
is put up to auction, as it were, and the highest 
bidder secures it. 

Both London and the East claim the distinc- 
tion of having first played the game in its pres- 
ent form. 



PRELIMINARIES 

Auction like Bridge is a partnership game 
and is played by four persons, the question of 
partnership being decided by cutting. The play- 
ers cutting the two higher cards pair against 
those cutting the two lower. 

In cutting the king ranks as the highest card 
and the ace the lowest. When cards are cut of 
otherwise equal value, the question is determined 
by the rank of the suits, spades ranking as high- 
est, next clubs, then diamonds, and lastly, hearts. 
This, it will be observed, is in inverse order to 
the rank of the cards in actual play. 

The player cutting the lowest card of all is 
the dealer and has the choice of cards and seats. 

It is customary to use two packs of cards, one 
pack, known as the still pack, being shuffled for 
the next dealer by the partner of the one dealing. 
The deal passes in regular order from left to 
right, regardless of who becomes the successful 
5 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

bidder and plays the two hands. The still pack 
marks the player next to deal, it being placed 
always to his left, that is,, to the right of the 
adversary shufHing. 

Previous to the deal the dealer presents the 
pack to his right hand adversary to be cut. In 
cutting two things should be observed: the pack 
removed should be placed towards the dealer, 
and at least four cards should be left in each 
packet, the one removed and the one remaining. 

As in Bridge the cards are dealt one at a time 
from left to right, the entire pack being used 
and each player receiving thirteen cards. Upon 
the completion of the deal and after the cards 
have been counted and sorted as to their respec- 
tive value as trick-winners, and the suits alter- 
nated as to color — this to lessen the danger of a 
revoke — the dealer bids for the trump, or no- 
trump, as the case may be. 

The dealer must bid. In Bridge he can shift 
the responsibility of the declaration to his part- 
ner, but not so in Auction. 

Following the dealer's bid, each player in turn, 
beginning with the player to the dealer's left, 
6 



PRELIMINARIES 

either bids, i. e., overbids the bid previously 
made, passes, or doubles. 

The player making the highest bid (the bid 
of highest numerical value) is known as the 
" declarant " and plays his own and his partner's 
hands. One exception only: — When the two 
partners make the same declaration, not the one 
bidding the larger number of tricks, but the one 
originally making the declaration, plays the two 
hands. 

The bids range in value as the declarations 
in Bridge; first, and highest, no-trumps, then 
hearts, then diamonds, next clubs, and lastly, 
spades. 

A bid calling for a greater number of tricks 
to make good, outbids one calling for less, 
though of the same numerical value. That is, 
a bid of " two diamonds " outbids " one no- 
trump " ; " three hearts," " two no-trumps " ; 
" three clubs," " two diamonds," etc., etc. 

In bidding a player names not only a specific 
declaration, as no-trumps, hearts, or diamonds, 
as the case may be, but a specific number of 
tricks as " one no-trump," " two hearts," " three 

7 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

diamonds " ; his meaning being that if his bid 
prevails and he plays the two hands, he contracts 
with the aid of his partner'-s hand, to take the 
above-named number of tricks ; one over the book 
at " no-trumps," seven in all ; two over the book 
at " hearts," eight in all ; three over the book at 
" diamonds," nine in all. 

It will be observed that a player must bid at 
least one odd trick, that is, at least one trick over 
the book. 

In doubhng or passing, one should also use 
a certain prescribed form, '' I double two no- 
trumps," being better than " I double " ; and 
" No more " or " I pass two diamonds," being 
better than " I pass." 

A player may bid indefinitely, naming a great- 
er number of tricks in the bid originally made, 
or changing to another — bearing in mind that 
bids must be on a constantly increasing ratio — 
so long as he is overbid, doubled, or re-doubled. 
Except under these conditions no player can 
raise his first or original bid, and so, when three 
players successively have announced a *' pass," 
the bidding ceases and the highest bid stands. 
8 



PRELIMINARIES 

The player to the left of the successful bidder 
leads to the first trick. Then, as in Bridge, 
dummy's hand is laid face upward upon the 
table — dummy in Auction being the partner of 
the successful bidder — and the game proceeds. 

The principles governing play are intrinsically 
the same as those governing Bridge play, varied 
and modified to be sure as occasion demands by 
the inferences gained from the bids, or lack of 
bids, of the respective players. 



SCORING 

Auction is a game of big scores and often- 
times big differences, and whereas in Bridge it 
occasionally happens that the winners of the 
rubber have in reality a lower score than their 
adversaries because of the adverse honor score, 
in Auction this is frequently the case. 

As has been stated, the bids range in value as 
the declarations in Bridge; first, and highest, 
"no-trumps" (12); next, "hearts," (8); then 
" diamonds," (6) ; then " clubs," (4) ; and lastly, 
"spades," (2). 

Honors, slam and chicane score as in Bridge; 
honors, to the side holding the majority; slam, 
to the side making it; chicane, to the player, 
and of course his partner, who lacks the 
trump. (A table of values appears on page 

I5-) 

10 



SCORING 

As in Bridge, the honors at a trump are the 
ace, king, queen, jack and ten of the suit; at 
" no-trumps," the four aces. 

Also as in Bridge, the game consists of 30 
points obtained by tricks alone. The rubber, 
however, gives a bonus of 250 points rather than 
the conventional 100 known to Bridge. This is 
to counteract to some extent the heavy adverse 
score often accruing from penalties, and to make 
game under ordinary conditions rather than the 
acquisition of penalties, the player's first and 
chief consideration. 

The declarant's side only scores towards game, 
that is, belozv the line, or in the trick score. If 
the declarant fulfills his contract, i. e., if he takes 
the number, or more than the number of tricks 
he bids, he scores as in Bridge. If he fails in 
his contract, taking less than the number of 
tricks he bids, he scores nothing towards game, 
even though he perhaps wins the odd trick or 
tricks. 

For every trick that the declarant fails to win 
of the number named in his contract, the adver- 
saries score 50 points in the honor score, or 
II 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

above the line. At a double this is increased to 
100 ; at a re-double, to 200.* 

These are known as penalty points, and as can 
be seen are an important factor, they having the 
power materially to augment or diminish the 
value of the rubber. They often as well have 
an influence upon the bidding and the manage- 
ment and play of the hand throughout. 

As an illustration of the foregoing, the bid 
obtains, we will say, at " two hearts." Result of 
the play shows the declarant with one heart only, 
seven tricks. Though he wins the odd trick, in 
reality he is a loser, and to the extent of one 
trick. For this trick the adversaries score 50 
points (penalty) in the honor score. 

Again : — The bid is " two no-trumps." De- 
clarant wins five tricks only, the two odd tricks, 
eight in all, going to the adversaries. Declarant's 
loss is three tricks, for each of which the adver- 
saries score 50 points, a total of 150. Were the 
two no-trumps doubled, they would score 100 

* At a one spade bid, the loss is restricted to 100 points, 
regardless of the number of tricks lost, or of a double or 
re- double. 

12 



SCORING 

for each of the three missing tricks, or 300. 
Were there also a re-double, 200 for each under- 
trick, or 600. 

All these points, it must be distinctly under- 
stood, are scored above the line, or in the honor 
score, the adversaries under no conditions scor- 
ing below the line, or tozvards game. 

In calculating a player's loss, simply deduct 
the number of tricks taken from the number 
bid. For instance, the bid stands we will say, 
at *' three no-trumps," nine tricks. Declarant 
wins the odd trick only, seven tricks. Seven 
from nine leaves two, and two tricks, therefore, 
represent his loss. Again : the bid is " two 
hearts." Result of play shows five tricks only. 
The contract being for eight tricks, and five only 
being taken, the loss is three tricks. 

A peculiarity of Auction and one that often 
has a direct influence upon a bid, is that while 
the bids or declarations have varying values, and 
the declarant if winning scores accordingly, the 
penalty points are uniform, 50 points for every 
undertrick whether the bid be no-trumps, hearts, 
diamonds, clubs, or a two, or greater, spade. 

13 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

When the declarant makes good, having been 
doubled, he scores the doubled trick value below, 
as in Bridge. He also scores 50 points above 
the line for making good at a double, and 50 
points, also above the line, for each and every 
trick he may take over and above the number 
bid. 

If he makes good at a re-double, he scores the 
re-doubled trick value below, 100 above the line 
for making good, and 100, also above the line, 
for each and every trick taken in excess of the 
number bid. 

To determine finals, add the trick and honor 
scores of the two sides separately, and deduct the 
smaller sum from the larger. The difference rep- 
resents the gain, and as has been stated, it will 
turn out not infrequently that the side losing the 
rubber has in reality the larger and more valu- 
able score. 



r4 



TABLE OF VALUES 

When trumps are S. C. D. H. 

Each trick above six counts ... 2 4 6 8 

Three honors in two partners' 

hands count 4 8 12 16 

Four honors in two partners' 
hands count 8 16 24 32 

Five honors in two partners' 
hands count 10 20 30 40 

Four honors in one hand count 16 32 48 64 

Five honors (one in partner's 
hand) count 18 36 54 y2 

Five honors in one hand count 20 40 60 80 

No trumps in one hand in- 
creases honors 4 8 12 16 

Chicane (a hand without 
trumps) counts 4 8 12 16 



IS 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

WHEN THERE ARE NO TRUMPS 

Each trick above six counts 12 

Three aces in two partners' hands count. . . 30 

Four aces in two partners' hands count. ... 40 

Four aces in one hand count 100 

Slam (when one side takes all the tricks) 
counts 40 

Little slam (when one side takes all but one 
trick) counts 20 

Successful bidder and his partner only score 
below the Hne or in the trick score. If they take 
the number or more than the number of tricks 
they contract to take, they score according to the 
values as above given. 

If they take less than the number of tricks 
they contract to take they score nothing in the 
trick score, though they may take the odd trick 
or tricks. 

The odd trick is the trick over the book. 
Book is a term applying to the first six tricks 
a side takes. 

16 



TABLE OF VALUES 

For every trick that the declarant fails to take 
of the number bid, the adversaries score 50 
points in the honor score or above the line. 

At a double they score 100 points in the honor 
score, or above the line. 

At a re-double, they score 200 points in the 
honor score, or above the line. 

The adversaries never score in the trick score, 
though they take the odd trick or tricks. 

When the declarant (successful bidder) makes 
good at a double, he scores the doubled value 
below the line, or in the trick score. 

He also scores 50 points in the honor score 
for making good at a double and 50 points in 
the honor score for every trick he takes more 
than the number he bids. 

When the declarant makes good at a re- 
double, he scores the re-doubled value of the 
tricks below the line; and above the line, or in 
the honor score, 100 points for making good, 
and 100 points for every trick taken in excess 
of the number bid. 

Game consists of 30 points obtained by tricks 
alone. 

17 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

The rubber game gives a bonus of 250 points. 
The rubber is the best of three games. If two 
games are won consecutively by one side, the 
rubber is complete and the third game is not 
played. 

Points for honors, slam, chicane, penalties 
and the rubber are recorded in the honor score. 



18 



THE DEALER'S FIRST OR INITIAL BID 

As has been stated, the dealer cannot, as in 
Bridge, shift the onus or responsibiUty of the 
declaration or bid. 

Whether his hand be good, bad, or indifferent, 
whether it promise many tricks or none at all, 
the first or initial bid must be made by him. 

The earlier treatises on the game favored a 
negative or waiting policy on the part of the 
dealer, and whether his hand were an obvious 
no-trumper, whether it were strongly red or hope- 
lessly weak, advocated an initial bid of " one 
spade." This with the understanding that third 
bidder (his partner) would raise the bid in the 
event of second bidder not doing so — this being 
one of the conventions of the game — and thus 
give him (the dealer) a chance for a second bid 
when, because of the inferences gained from in- 
termediate bids, he could perhaps bid with more 
definiteness and assurance of success. 
19 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

While such poHcy doubtless had some advan- 
tages, further experience has demonstrated that 
the better course is to show at once the relative 
strength or weakness of the hand. 

This in the hope, when the bid promises good 
results, of securing it and perhaps going game; 
in any event, to convey immediate and direct in- 
ferences to one's partner, and perhaps guide him 
as to his policy; also, to shut out, if possible, 
informatory bids on the part of the adversaries, 
inferences from which, properly applied, might 
easily work to their advantage, and, conversely, 
to the dealer's disadvantage. 

The goal towards which a player's efforts 
should first chiefly be directed is game; failing 
in this, the fulfillment of his contract; failing 
in this, to lose as few tricks as possible. 

Game, then, being the first consideration, it 
follows that the no-trump declaration, which 
offers the greatest possibiHties to this end, should 
be named under all conditions warranting it. 



20 



THE DEALER'S INITIAL BID 



THE INITIAL NO-TRUMP BID 

The question arises: What warrants a no- 
trump bid? We would say in answer, first, a 
hand justifying a no-trump declaration at 
Bridge, as hands containing four aces; three 
aces; two aces with king, queen in a third suit; 
or one ace with protection in the three remain- 
ing suits. 

Secondly — a hand containing the equivalent of 
three aces. In other words, containing stoppers 
in three suits. Under this heading come such 
combinations as king, queen; king, jack, ten; 
queen, jack, ten ; and generally queen with jack or 
ten and one or more small cards. Length is in 
itself protection, and a suit headed by king, 
queen, or even jack, and containing sufficient 
small card protection, will at times stop an ad- 
verse suit. This, however, is by no means de- 
pendable, and the beginner at least should regard 
it warily. 

By a stopper is meant a card that will even- 
tually stop or take a trick in a suit; not neces- 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

sarily the first, second or even the third trick, 
but that sooner or later will attain this end. 

It is rarely advisable to bid no-trumps on two 
suits only, though this is occasionally done when 
holding unusual strength in the two black suits 
or when, with a fully established black suit, the 
hand contains re-entry in another suit. A call 
of this nature is not necessarily attended with 
risk, since the adversaries, if strong in red, will 
likely announce the fact, thus suggesting the ex- 
pediency of a pass as our second policy, un- 
less, to be sure, partner's announcement should 
be such as to encourage us in our original 
policy. 

However, except for the wish to preclude in- 
formatory bids, and the chance that we may be 
left with the black trump — the adversaries occa- 
sionally finding it expedient to leave us with a 
bid which insures no possibility of our going 
game — the '' two " trick black, clubs or spades, 
as the case may be, would generally be the bet- 
ter call on a hand as above described. Then, in 
the event that we should get another try at a bid, 
we would still have it in our power to call no- 

23 



THE DEALER'S INITIAL BID 

trumps, if, after the inferences gained from the 
bids, or lack of bids, of the other players, it would 
seem expedient to do so. 

As an initial bid a light no-trumper is seldom 
advisable. However, should it be attempted, 
black suit strength would be an essential condi- 
tion. On a subsequent round, if no particular 
strength has been indicated adversely, a some- 
what light no-trumper often resolves itself into 
a good bid. 

While, as has been stated, no-trumps should 
be called on hands containing four aces, in cases 
where the heart suit is strong, and the remaining 
aces perhaps unprotected by high cards, the 
" one " or greater heart bid is often the better 
bid. This is but in accord with the old Bridge 
rule that when the hand promises perhaps equally 
well at no-trumps or hearts, or when in doubt 
between the two declarations, one suit being, 
perhaps, defenseless, hearts is the better declara- 
tion, the risk being less and the results, as a 
rule, equally good. 

At all declarations, whether no-trump or a 
trump, aces are an important factor. Their 

23 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

honor value at Auction, however, is of relatively 
small importance as compared with their honor 
value at Bridge, because of the increased value 
of the rubber, and the heavy overline score often 
accruing from penalties. 

The advantages of the initial no-trump bid are 
manifold. 

In the first place, it is the most valuable of all 
the bids, and insures the highest score when it 
wins. If it loses it entails no greater loss than 
would any other bid with the single exception of 
the " one" trick spade. 

It gives partner direct and definite inferences 
as to the special character of our holding and 
often influences his policy. 

It generally prevents a double. Not only is a 
premature double unwise for the reason that it 
locates adverse strength, but a double of a ^' one " 
trick contract offers a comparatively easy outlet 
of escape, a " two" trick red rendering it null 
and void. 

Even the minimum, " one no-trump," practi- 
cally shuts out an adverse black bid, and compels 
a " two " trick red. " Two no-trumps " shuts 
24 



THE DEALER'S INITIAL BID 

out the adverse black, practically shuts out a dia- 
mond, and compels a " three " trick heart. 

THE INITIAL RED SUIT BID 

A hand calling for a red suit declaration at 
Bridge (bearing in mind the comparatively small 
importance of honors, save for their trick tak- 
ing qualities) generally justifies the suit bid at 
Auction : a " one " trick bid, if the suit and hand 
are of average strength only ; " two " or perhaps 
more, if above the average. 

The " eight rule " test for a declaration at 
Bridge is applicable to the red suit bids at Auc- 
tion. It may be stated as follows : Count the 
number of cards in the suit considered, giving 
the three high honors in the suit as ace, king and 
queen, the value of two rather than one. To 
this add the sure outside tricks as aces and 
guarded kings. If the total reaches eight, a 
" one " trick bid in the suit is usually good. If 
nine or more, a " two " or even a " three " trick 
bid is often ventured. 

The higher the initial bid, the more difficult 
25 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

it is for the adversaries to overbid, and the more 
effectually as a rule is the informatory bid 
barred. This should be distinctly borne in mind, 
as it furnishes the keynote to many a disaster 
which might have been averted had the initial 
bid been sufficiently high. 

We must not, however, run away with the idea 
that we should incur needless risks in order to 
preclude an adverse bid. On the contrary, all 
bids must be governed by reason and tempered 
with discretion. Penalty points come high, and 
in the effort to avoid one evil, we must use care 
that we be not confronted by another and perhaps 
greater one. To avoid Scylla, it would be the 
rash player indeed who would plunge headlong 
into Charybdis. 

And besides — another reason why discretion 
should govern the situation — ^if we make good 
our bid we get value for each and every trick 
we may take in excess of the number bid, while 
on the other hand, if we fail to make good, we 
are penalized 50 points per trick for each and 
every missing trick. 

As has been stated, when in doubt between a 
26 



THE DEALER'S INITIAL BID 

no-trump bid and a heart, the heart is usually 
the sounder bid. 

Both high card and numerical strength are the 
foundation of the red suit bids. However, hearts 
are occasionally named on hands containing six 
or more hearts, though lacking an honor, if 
there be another fairly good suit, or some outside 
protection. To bid hearts or diamonds, the hand 
should stand for not less than four tricks. 

The diamond bid is also influenced to a greater 
or less extent by the score. At love score many 
construe it as an invitation for a no-trump call. 
At an advanced score it implies a willingness to 
play the hand at the diamond trump. 

A diamond bid at any score on numerical 
strength alone would be unsound. In such case 
the " one " trick spade is the only sound and 
safe bid. 

THE INITIAL CLUB BID 

The initial club bid is especially important by 
reason of the valuable inferences which it em- 
bodies. 

While it denies the essentials to a no-trump, 
27 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

or a red suit bid, it generally shows a long, fully 
established, or nearly established club suit, or 
high card club strength, and more or less outside 
strength, and it serves as an intimation to third 
bidder (the dealer's partner) to change the bid 
to no-trumps, if he is otherwise justified in so 
doing. 

A " two " trick club bid proclaims greater 
strength than the " one " trick club bid, and 
serves more than ever as an intimation to third 
bidder to call no-trumps, if, as above stipulated, 
conditions otherwise warrant the bid. 

High card rather than numerical strength is 
essential to the club bid, though both elements 
of strength are important, and, lacking outside 
assistance, essential. In other words, clubs are 
often called on high card club strength, when 
the hand contains more or less outside assistance, 
but to call clubs on numerical without high card 
club strength, even though outside strength be 
in evidence, would be unsound. In such case the 
" one " trick spade is the proper call. 

As has been stated, we are occasionally left 
with a black bid when it insures no chance of our 



THE DEALER'S INITIAL BID 

going game, so a willingness to play the hand at 
the club trump, even if doubled, is one of the es- 
sentials to the club bid. 



THE INITIAL SPADE BID 

The " one " trick spade is never called except 
by the dealer, and then only when his hand ad- 
mits of no other bid, it being hopelessly weak, 
or perhaps containing a slight amount of scat- 
tered strength, though falling immeasurably short 
of a no-trumper. 

As has been repeatedly stated, the dealer must 
bid. Therefore, with a hand so constructed, his 
harbor of refuge lies in the " one " trick spade, 
otherwise known as the "safety bid," because, 
regardless of the number of undertricks, or a 
double or re-double, the loss is restricted to lOO 
points. 

While, as appears from the above, the " one " 
trick spade bid is not necessarily indicative of a 
hopeless hand — the hand in fact being occasion- 
ally good for two, in rare cases for three tricks — 
it nevertheless serves as a warning to the dealer's 
29 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

partner to rely chiefly upon his own holding for 
the successful outcome of whatever bid he may 
elect to make. 

A *' two " trick spade bid conveys much the 
same information as the " two " trick club, show- 
ing a long, fully established or nearly established 
spade suit, or high card spade strength with more 
or less outside assistance. Like the club bid, it 
serves as an indication to third bidder to increase 
the call to no-trumps, if he is otherwise justified 
in so doing. 

In conclusion, let me caution the player care- 
fully to discriminate between a no-trump hand 
and an assisting no-trump hand, and to avoid the 
sometimes fatal error of inviting a no-trump bid 
when he himself should call no-trumps. 



30 



SECOND BIDDER'S POLICY 

While second bidder possesses a certain ad- 
vantage over the dealer as regards a bid, he hav- 
ing inferences, which the dealer has not, as to 
one holding besides his own, it is doubtful if 
this is productive always of real benefit. 

Second bidder, unlike the dealer, is not under 
compulsion to make a bid. At the same time, his 
policy calls for the full exercise of finesse, sub- 
tlety, shrewdness, calculation and judgment. In 
fact, no player requires these qualifications in 
fuller measure, as regards his original policy, 
than second bidder, the player to the left of the 
dealer. 

To be sure, the nature of the dealer's bid with 
its bearing upon second bidder's holding, and 
the state of the score, have often a determining 
influence. Still, a policy which would be right 
at one bid and at one score, would often be 

31 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

wrong at the same bid and a different score, or 
at the same score and a different bid, and to 
differentiate between them and do the proper 
thing at the proper time involves perception of 
the most deHcate and discriminating order. 

While much, in fact the greater part, must be 
left to the adaptability of the individual player, 
and it would be impossible, as well as inexpedi- 
ent, to formulate rules or even suggestions which 
would fit each and every case, we will neverthe- 
less review as briefly as possible the various 
initial bids and at varying scores, with their most 
logical bearing upon second bidder's policy. 

The importance of the dealer's bidding suffi- 
ciently high as to preclude a bid on the part of 
the adversaries, thus preventing a showing of 
general strength, or of strength in a particular 
suit, in either case inferences from which could 
often be used as a strong combination against 
him, the dealer, has been fully explained. 

By inverse reasoning it follows that the ad- 
versaries should improve every opportunity that 
offers to make such bid, not necessarily in the 
hope of securing the bid, but to give, each to 
32 



SECOND BIDDER'S POLICY 

the other, inferences as to the particular holding, 
and at the same time perhaps force the dealer's 
partner, or the dealer himself, to an increased 
number of tricks and thus render their contract 
more difficult of accomplishment. 

The initial no-trump bid more often than not 
prevents the adverse announcement, and as a 
rule serves as the dealer's surest and most effec- 
tive weapon. Even the minimum, " one no- 
trujup," practically shuts out an adverse black bid 
and compels a " two " trick red. 

Assuming, then, that the dealer calls " one no- 
trump," the question arises : — What policy shall 
we adopt? Shall we overbid, pass or double? 

The answer involves several considerations, 
though more often than not we will find our only 
recourse is a pass. However, if strong in hearts 
or diamonds, so strong that the hand stands the 
" eight rule " test, and we would call the suit 
were we the dealer, we should announce the 
" two " trick red, the cases being exceptional 
where we would not score game, or at least a 
good advance. 

Game, and especially the rubber game, is gen- 
33 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

erally a player's first consideration, and when- 
ever possible he should declare with the object 
in view to attain this end. At the same time, 
any bid which promises a good advance on the 
score is by no means to be ignored. The higher 
we advance in the score, that is, the nearer we 
reach the thirty points requisite for game, the 
greater the risks the adversaries will run to pre- 
vent our getting our bid and playing the two 
hands. The greater the chance, therefore, of 
their overbidding and of our thus scoring penal- 
ties. In the ability to force an adversary to over- 
bid his hand, taking care ourselves not to over- 
step the border line of safety, lies one of the 
most subtle, adroit and interesting features of 
the game. 

With insufficient strength in either red suit to 
bid red, though with both reds protected, a double 
is occasionally announced over the dealer's no- 
trump, in the hope to tempt third bidder to a 
" two " trick red bid, and again double. It may 
be stated that when the adversary can detect this 
to be the motive of the double, it would behoove 
him to be as wary as the doubling player himself, 

34 



SECOND BIDDER'S POLICY 

and by any means that might suggest themselves, 
endeavor to circumvent his artfully laid plan. 

When the dealer calls no-trumps and we have 
little or no strength in the red suits, though per- 
haps protection in both black suits, a pass is our 
only recourse. Assuming one of the black suits 
to be fully established, a double would be the 
worst thing possible, in more cases than not in- 
ducing a change of bid and leaving us defense- 
less. 

An initial " one " trick red should usually be 
overcalled with a " one " trick no-trump when, 
with a generally good hand, we are protected in 
the adverse red. When the adversaries' score is 
such that they would likely make game if secur- 
ing their bid, the no-trump bid is often warranted 
on somewhat less strength than as above stated, 
though protection in the adverse suit is important 
and often essential. Lacking protection in the 
adverse suit, though with more than average pro- 
tection in the remaining suits, we should call 
no-trumps regardless of the score, as the case 
would be exceptional where we would not at 
least make good the contract. 

35 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

We should generally overcall an initial "one " 
trick red with a " one " or " two " trick red, as 
the case may be, in the remaining red suit, or 
with a " two " trick club, when strong in the 
particular suit, and the bid apparently insures 
good results. Such bid in any event may force 
the adversaries higher, while at the same time it 
puts partner in possession of important inferences 
as to our holding, and perhaps influences his 
policy, in any case directing his lead in case third 
bidder secures the bid. 

The expediency of showing black suit strength 
whenever the opportunity develops can hardly 
be overestimated. Therefore, when the dealer 
calls a black suit, we should overcall in the re- 
maining black suit, if strong in the suit; not in 
the hope of expectation of the bid standing, but 
to give partner more or less valuable inferences 
as to our strength, and perhaps induce him to 
call no-trumps; in any event directing his lead, 
in case third bidder makes the no-trump call. 

When the dealer's bid embodies a request to 
his partner to make the no-trump call — under 
this heading come the " two '* trick spade bid, 
36 



SECOND BIDDER'S POLICY 

and the " one " and more particularly the *' two " 
trick club — it behooves us to bid sufficiently high, 
if at not too great risk, as to render the call 
difficult, if not impossible. 

When the initial bid is a " one " trick spade, we 
are in much the same position as is the dealer 
under ordinary conditions, and should be influ- 
enced by much the same considerations; that is, 
of bidding sufficiently high if our holding admits 
of our so doing, as to bar an informatory bid 
from the dealer's partner, third bidder. Should 
our holding preclude this, though with strength 
in spades, we should double. With spades fully 
established, as five or more containing ace, king 
and queen, we may, according to our judgment, 
call " two spades " preferably to a double, an 
overbid in a suit previously bid by an adversary — 
a recourse, however, which should never be re- 
sorted to except at a " one spade " bid — showing 
greater strength than a double. 

In either case, to be sure, third bidder may be 
counted upon for an overbid, but the inferences 
given to our partner as to our particular hold- 
ing are often of material benefit, in many cases 
37 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

guiding him as to the expediency of a no-trump 
bid ; in any event, suggesting his lead in case the 
bid rests with third bidder... 

When the dealer bids " one spade " at a score 
of less than 20, or upon any bid made by him 
which insures no chance of his going game, it 
is often advisable to pass, and more than ever 
if our own bid would insure but doubtful re- 
sults. In fact, with a hand that offers but little 
chance of success at any bid which we might 
offer, a pass is our only recourse, even though 
game, perhaps the rubber game, be the issue at 
stake. 

When the dealer bids " one spade,'* thus pro- 
claiming weakness, we may at times venture a 
somewhat light no-trump bid, the expediency of 
the policy being dependent to great extent upon 
the score. 

The greater our knowledge of Auction, the 
more and more will we be impressed with the 
fact that the score is the pivotal point on which 
every thing hinges ; the initial bid ; the expediency 
or the reverse of overbidding, passing or doub- 
ling; the management and play of the hand 
38 



SECOND BIDDER'S POLICY 

throughout. And as a knowledge of Bridge is 
essential to the Auction player, so a knowledge 
of Auction is helpful to the Bridge player. Cer- 
tainly nothing so impresses upon the Bridge 
player the importance of declaring, doubling and 
playing to the score in Bridge, as a thorough un- 
derstanding of the basic principles of Auction. 



39 



THIRD BIDDER'S POLICY 

By the time it is our turn as third bidder to 
make an announcement, we have inferences as to 
our partner's holding, and an overbid, pass or 
double has been announced by second bidder. 

The special inferences as to partner's holding 
with their bearing upon our own, subject, of 
course, to the policy adopted by second bidder, 
will frequently guide us as to our best course. 
In fact, a player familiar with the principles 
controlling the initial bid, as well as the tactics 
which under certain conditions and at certain 
scores should be adopted by second bidder, should 
have comparatively little difficulty in deciding 
upon his poHcy. 

Still, third bidder's position is by no means 
that of a sinecure, and a few suggestions bearing 
upon the ever varying situations cannot but 
prove helpful. 

As a general thing, we should support the 
40 



THIRD BIDDER'S POLICY 

dealer's (our partner's) bid, if our hand is good 
for two tricks, that is, we are justified in making 
one of higher value, when, it is needless to state, 
we should do so. 

When the initial bid is " one " no-trump and 
second bidder passes, we also should usually pass 
unless our holding be above the average in general 
strength, or unless we hold a long, fully estab- 
lished suit, when we may, at our option, increase 
partner's bid, the more effectually to bar an in- 
formatory bid from fourth bidder, which, in the 
event of partner's bid prevailing, second bidder, 
who would lead to the first trick, could take 
immediate advantage of. 

However, should the established suit which we 
hold be hearts, and the hand contain little or 
nothing of value besides, if in our judgment it 
seems best we may call " two hearts " in prefer- 
ence to " two no-trumps." The shift to hearts 
is also often advisable when, the initial bid being 
" one no-trump," second bidder overbids with a 
" two " trick diamond or perhaps a " three " trick 
club, and we are without protection in the suit 
named, though strong in hearts. 

41 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

In either case partner reads us with strong 
hearts; in the first named case, with little or 
nothing of value besides ; in the second, with no 
protection in the adverse suit. It rests with him, 
then, on the second round — assuming fourth bid- 
der to have passed — to let the heart bid stand, or 
call "two no-trumps," as in his judgment may 
seem best. 

In this connection it may be stated that to call 
no-trumps, or to increase one's no-trump call, 
when lacking protection in a suit named ad- 
versely, is a somewhat questionable expedient, 
unless one holds unusually good protection in the 
remaining suits, or it is warranted by the state 
of the score. To justify the increase by one's 
partner, he should hold a guarded honor in the 
adverse suit, and be good for at least one trick 
in another suit; unless, that is, he holds double 
protection in the suit, in other words, could stop 
the suit twice, when the additional protection 
would not be so important. Also, if the state 
of the score demands the overcall, it may be ven- 
tured with the guarded honor in the suit only. 
Lacking protection in the adverse suit, the part- 
42 



THIRD BIDDER'S POLICY 

ner should increase the call only when himself 
holding protection in the remaining suits, or a 
long, fully established suit. 

These principles, which are important, and 
should not lightly be overlooked, apply to all 
players regardless of their position at table. 

When second bidder overcalls the initial " one 
no-trump " bid with a " two" trick red, we have 
at times a choice between a " two " trick no- 
trump and a double, dependent upon our par- 
ticular strength in the adverse red, and the state 
of the score, more especially as to whether im- 
mediate trick points are demanded. If unusually 
strong in the adverse suit, and holding some out- 
side protection, a double is often more effective 
than the overcall and productive in the end of a 
considerably higher score. With less strength in 
the adverse suit, though with a protected honor 
in the suit, and protection in at least one other 
suit, the " two " trick no-trump should be an- 
nounced. 

Partner in either case reads us with protection 
in the adverse suit; in case of the double, with 
unusual protection. He can therefore use his 
43 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

judgment — assuming fourth bidder to have an- 
nounced a pass — in regard to letting the double 
stand, or increasing his original " one no-trump." 
In the event of fourth bidder having made an 
announcement, the particular nature of his an- 
nouncement with its bearing upon the situation 
as he (partner) understands it, should guide him 
as to his best course. 

When partner announces a red bid, and second 
bidder overbids, we should usually overcall in 
partner's suit if holding strength in the suit, or 
high or winning cards in one or more side suits ; 
in other words, if apparently good for two tricks 
— assuming, of course, that second bidder's call 
is not of such a nature as to make the overcall 
impracticable. 

We should generally also overcall in the suit 
named by partner when, though weak in the suit, 
we are void or nearly void of another suit, and 
the chances are good for a ruff. In either case, 
to be sure, if we can make a bid of higher value 
which promises as good or perhaps better results, 
we should do so. 

An initial " two " trick bid proclaims greater 

44 



THIRD BIDDER'S POLICY 

strength than a " one " trick bid, and we should 
be guided in our inferences and policy accord- 
ingly. Under such conditions we are often war- 
ranted in calling no-trumps on less strength than 
would ordinarily be required. 

The initial " one " trick club, and more espe- 
cially the '' two " trick club bid, show club 
strength and often outside assistance, though in- 
sufficient for an original no-trump bid. Similar 
inferences are obtainable from the initial " two " 
trick spade; spade strength and often more or 
less outside strength. Such bids practically en- 
join us to call no-trumps if, after hearing from 
the second bidder, the call in our judgment seems 
advisable. If second bidder passes, we should 
generally so call if protected in two suits, pref- 
erably red (because of partner's inferred lack 
of red suit strength) ; or one red and one black, 
and of the two blacks, preferably the one not 
called by partner. If second bidder overcalls, we 
should still generally make the no-trump bid if 
one of the suits in which we are protected is 
second bidder's suit. More than ever should we 
so call, holding the above stipulated protection, 

45 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

if the adversaries if left with their bid would 
likely go game. 

The initial " one " trick spade bid is practically 
an admission of weakness, though, as has been 
explained, such bid is occasionally made on hands 
good for two tricks. Such inference is not de- 
pendable, however, and when partner so bids, as 
a rule we should depend upon our own holding 
for the successful outcome of whatever bid we 
may elect to make. If second bidder doubles, 
or calls " two spades " over the dealer's " one 
spade," it is ostensibly in the hope that fourth 
bidder (his partner) will call no-trumps, and, 
therefore, it behooves us generally to indicate our 
suit, if it is worth indicating and so constructed 
that it may be advantageously led to, in order to 
direct partner's lead in case fourth bidder does 
so call. 



46 



FOURTH BIDDER'S POLICY 

As fourth bidder we enjoy a distinct advantage 
over the other players, as regards a declaration, 
we having inferences, positive or negative, as to 
all the holdings, partner's as well as the adver- 
saries'. 

But few additional suggestions can be given as 
to fourth bidder's policy, the various principles 
controlling the policy of second and third bidders 
respectively, applying under similar conditions to 
fourth bidder as well. 

Like the other players, we find ourselves con- 
fronted by the threefold question whether to 
overbid, pass or double. If an overbid, whether 
to support partner's bid or announce one of our 
own. The decision hinges of course upon the 
measure of support we could render at partner's 
bid, and the particular strength of the suit we 
would name; in a word, as to which declaration 
offers apparently the greater chance of success. 
47 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

We should strive to get the full significance of 
partner's bid, and as closely as possible gauge its 
intrinsic value, bearing in ^ mind that a ** forced 
bid " as a rule indicates less strength than a 
" free bid," and calls for proportionately greater 
support. 

A " forced bid " in contradistinction to a " free 
bid " is one which because of the value of a bid 
previously made includes a greater number of 
tricks than would probably otherwise have been 
the case. A " two " trick club over a " one " 
trick diamond or heart ; a " three " trick club or 
a " two " trick diamond or heart over a " one " 
trick no-trump, are " forced bids." On the other 
hand, a " one " trick diamond or heart over a 
" one " trick club ; or a '' one " trick no-trump 
over any " one " trick suit bid, are " free bids." 

We should generally support a " free bid " if 
good for two tricks. The support of a " forced 
bid " usually demands three. 

In the event that partner's bid and the one 

would offer insure apparently an equal measure 

of success, we should obviously choose the higher 

of the two, not only because of its greater in- 

48 



FOURTH BIDDER'S POLICY 

trinsic value, but because in overbidding it is im- 
portant to call fewer tricks at a higher declara- 
tion, than a greater number at a smaller. In 
other words, the fewer the tricks contracted 
for, the greater the chance of making good, 
and, conversely, the less the risk of incurring 
penalties. 

When second bidder (our partner) doubles the 
dealer's " one " trick spade, or overcalls with a 
" two " trick spade, he shows spade strength, and 
often outside strength as well ; to a certain extent, 
at least an assisting hand for a no-trumper. Un- 
der these conditions, it behooves us to review our 
holding carefully and well to see if we are war- 
ranted in the no-trump call. Should third bidder 
pass we may often venture the call on somewhat 
less strength than would ordinarily be required, 
both adversaries being inferredly weak. Should 
third bidder announce a bid, protection in his suit 
would usually be essential to the call unless with 
unusual protection in at least two of the three 
remaining suits. 

If second bidder doubles the dealer's " one " 
trick club, similar inferences as to suit strength 
49 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

are conveyed, and again we should consider our 
holding with reference to a no-trump call. 

When second and third J)idder pass an initial 
no-trump, we should not fail to indicate our suit 
if it is at all worth indicating. This will accom- 
plish one of two purposes ; it will either leave us 
to play the two hands, with perhaps a fair chance 
of going game, or it will force a higher adverse 
bid and thus make the contract more difficult of 
fulfillment In any event, it will suggest part- 
ner's lead in case the bid rests with the dealer. 

The expediency of allowing an adverse bid to 
stand which insures no chance of the adversaries 
going game, and when we can offer no good bid 
of our own, applies to fourth bidder equally with 
second and third. So, also, the expediency of 
overbidding, if at not too much risk, if the ad- 
versaries, if securing their bid, will likely go 
game. 

A double peculiar to fourth bidder occasionally 
develops under the following conditions : The 
dealer calls no-trumps. Second and third bid- 
ders pass. We hold a solid spade suit, good, we 
will say, for six or more tricks if at an early 
50 



FOURTH BIDDER'S POLICY 

stage we can but secure the lead. Because of the 
value of the no-trump bid, we of course cannot 
indicate the suit by a bid. We therefore resort 
to a double as an indication to our partner, who 
in the event of the dealer's no-trump bid pre- 
vailing, will lead to the first trick, that it is of the 
greatest importance that he lead a spade. Nat- 
urally, he will assume our suit to be spades, since 
he can but know that were it a red suit, or even 
clubs, we would indicate it by a bid. 

Such double and lead are known as the " spade 
convention." 



51 



SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT ROUNDS 
OF BIDDING 

As has been stated, a player" may bid indefi- 
nitely so long as he is overbid or doubled. As- 
suming, then, that the dealer has been overbid 
or doubled, he gets another chance at a bid, and 
so on, each player in turn getting another chance 
until three successively pass. The bidding then 
ceases, and the player who has made the highest 
bid is known as the declarant and plays the two 
hands. (See page 7.) 

An overbid has for its aim the attainment of 
one of three objects — that of securing the bid 
and going game ; that of preventing the adversa- 
ries from getting their bid if by reason of the 
score they would likely go game ; or that of forc- 
ing the adversaries to overbid their hand, then 
announce a double, and score penalties at their 
doubled value. 

52 



SUBSEQUENT BIDDING 

Under ordinary conditions game takes preced- 
ence of all things else, and the effort put forth 
to its attainment cannot be too strongly advo- 
cated. 

The effort at certain scores to prevent the ad- 
versaries from getting their bid involves some 
of the prettiest tactics of the game. Particularly 
should this measure be adopted when we can 
offer no defense in the adversary's suit and in the 
process we do not incur too great risk. 

The effort to tempt the adversaries to overbid 
their hand, while constituting one of the most 
fascinating features of the game, is of necessity 
attended with more or less risk. There is the 
ever-present danger that we ourselves may be 
left with an impossible contract ; in fact, that the 
tables may be completely turned and the adver- 
sary accomplish the end we have had in view. 
The maneuvering of this strategic move calls for 
great skill as well as exactitude in determining 
the minimum loss one is willing to incur in the 
hope of a possible great gain. In Auction par- 
lance overbidding of this nature is known as 
" flag-flying." 

S3 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

Many of the suggestions given for second, 
third and fourth bidders in regard to overbidding, 
strengthened or weakened, jof course, because of 
one's further knowledge of the strength or weak- 
ness of the various hands, apply under similar 
conditions to all players on subsequent rounds. 
A few general suggestions only will, therefore, 
be given. 

It may not be amiss again to state that in over- 
bidding to escape a double, or to save game, one 
should bid simply the number of tricks necessary 
to this end. In the effort to save game, a loss of 
one trick, or a 50 point penalty, may usually well 
be risked; or, if it be the rubber game, a loss of 
two tricks, or a 100 point penalty. Greater risks 
than this the wise player will not, as a rule, 
venture. 

As a matter of fact, the more Auction is played 
and the more rational and logical have its meth- 
ods become, the less do experienced players gam- 
ble on their hands or take needless chances. 
While courage is one of the attributes of the suc- 
cessful Auction player, it being the weak player 
who concedes a victory without an effort, rash- 
54 



SUBSEQUENT BIDDING 

ness on the other hand cannot be too strongly- 
deprecated. When we see, therefore, that the 
rubber is hopelessly against us, it stands us in 
good stead to concede it cheerfully, and with 
show of grace, " assuming a virtue if we have it 
not," and strengthened by the knowledge that 
the truest, best and most sportsmanlike players 
are not only good winners but cheerful losers. 

Auction is essentially a game of inferences, and 
in none of its various phases is this more evident 
than when it comes to overbidding. Whether to 
raise our own bid, to support partner's, or to 
announce a new one; whether to pass or double 
depends so largely upon the inferences gained 
from the respective policies of the various 
players. 

When we find that partner does not support 
our bid, and makes none of his own, he is in- 
fernally weak, and further bidding on our part 
is usually warranted only when holding excep- 
tional strength, or by reason of the score. This 
becomes accentuated if both adversaries are bid- 
ding, one supporting the other, or each making a 
bid of his own. 

55 



AUCTION BRIDGE 



When all players are bidding, the strength of 
the hand is probably pretty evenly divided, and a 
large contract should, as a^rule, be avoided. It 
develops occasionally, however, that one side 
holds nearly all the hearts and the other the 
diamonds, and in such case the bidding usually 
runs easily into three and four trick contracts. 
For one's further guidance in such case it may 
be stated that if the side holding hearts goes 
** three hearts " and is overcalled with '' four 
diamonds," " four hearts " should as a rule be 
promptly announced, assuming, that is, that the 
" three heart " bid was entirely justifiable. This 
quells further bidding on the part of the diamond 
holders, and as a rule wins out, in any case en- 
gendering usually a limited loss. 

When one adversary calls no-trumps, and his 
partner increases the call (we meanwhile having 
announced "two hearts"), it would show both 
adversaries to be strong, and it would therefore 
seldom be right for us to go '' three hearts." 
Should we do so, and secure the bid, it would 
more often than not result in loss. 

Examples could be given indefinitely, but time 
56 




SUBSEQUENT BIDDING 

and space forbid. And, after all, it is not study 
alone, but study combined with practice and 
oftentimes hard experience, that evolve the 
strong, sound and capable player. 

In conclusion, I append simply the following 
injunctions : — Be ever on the alert ; note the va- 
rious bids and by whom made ; deduce the right 
inferences therefrom; bear in mind which ad- 
versary is strong and which is weak and your 
relative position regarding them; credit your 
partner with just the strength he indicates and 
no more; endeavor to gauge the value of your 
hand subject to the various inferences received, 
and when necessary, bid up to its full value, but 
do not overbid unless with a distinct, laudable 
and legitimate object in view. 



57 



DOUBLING 

A double at Auction is governed by radically 
different conditions from those governing a dou- 
ble at Bridge. 

A declaration is made at Bridge, a double is 
called and both declaration and double stand. 
A declaration is made at Auction, a double is 
called, a new declaration is generally announced 
(the direct result of the double), and the double 
becomes null and void. In other words, a double 
at Auction but paves the way for further bid- 
ding, and a bid of higher value cancels it. That 
is to say, a bid of " two diamonds " cancels a 
double no-trump ; " three hearts," a double " two 
no-trumps " ; " four diamonds," a doubled " three 
hearts," and so on. 

A double which in Bridge would be obvious 
and self-evident, and redound materially to one's 
gain, in Auction would often be attended with 
58 



DOUBLING 

fatal results. As an example: The dealer at 
Bridge calls no-trumps. Eldest hand with a 
soHd suit of seven or more cards, doubles, runs 
with his suit, and takes the odd trick or tricks 
before the dealer gets a lead. At the same dec- 
laration and with the same holding at Auction, 
a double would but induce a change of bid, with 
the result that whereas had we maintained a dis- 
creet silence and concealed our strength, we 
would have secured a good overtop score, as a 
proper punishment for an unwise double, we 
have left ourselves defenseless and enabled the 
declarant to make good his bid and doubtless go 
game. 

A double by no means implies, as in Bridge, 
that the player doubling hopes or even expects 
to win the odd trick or tricks, but rather that he 
does not think the declarant will make good his 
contract. 

A double increases the penalty points from 50 
to 100 for each missing trick, and to secure this 
increase is, of course, the motive that induces the 
double. 

If the declarant makes good, having been 
59 



AUCTION BRIDGE 



doubled, he scores the doubled value of the tricks 
below the line as in Bridge. He also scores above 
the line, irrespective of any honor score he may 
be entitled to, 50 points for making good and 50 
points per trick for any trick he may take in 
excess of the number bid. 

As can be seen, a double can easily result in 
far more good to the player doubled than to the 
doubling player, and should not be attempted save 
under conditions and at scores fully warranting 
it. The practice, in reality, is one which is usu- 
ally far '' more honored in the breach than the 
observance." The player with speculative ten- 
dencies too largely developed belongs to the 
anomalous class of the " adventurous no-trump- 
ers " and " light-hearted makers of expensive 
suits " at Bridge, and is a hindrance to good play 
and appreciated neither as a partner nor an ad- 
versary. 

The rash bidder and doubler at Auction pos- 
sess the additional disadvantage of often having 
it within their power to lengthen the rubber be- 
yond all reason (this, in fact, being the only 
serious objection that has been urged against 
60 




DOUBLING 

the game), the overtop score increasing rapidly, 
but the trick score making no appreciable ad- 
vance. 

A re-double implies that the player doubled, 
or his partner, according to the one re-doubling, 
expects to make good in spite of the double and 
the contingent warning of adverse strength. A 
re-double gives the adversaries penalties to the 
value of 200 points per trick if the declarant 
fails. On the other hand, the declarant, if mak- 
ing good, scores the re-doubled value of all the 
tricks taken, loo above the line for making good, 
and 100, also, above the line for each and every 
trick taken in excess of the number bid. 

A player doubles or re-doubles an adversary; 
under no conditions, his partner. One re-double 
only is allowed. 

A double is in no sense a declaration save that 
it opens the way for further bidding, and, as 
has been shown, a bid of higher value counteracts 
it. The privilege of making the higher bid ex- 
tends to all players, including the declarant or 
his partner. 

Other things being equal, a player is in the best 
6i 



AUCTION BRIDGE 



^: 



position to double when he is to the left of the 
player doubled. Otherwise he may be led 
through and his strength be completely routed. 
So, also, the player re-doubling is in the best 
position when he sits to the left of the player 
doubling. 

A double is in a sense a danger signal, pro- 
claiming adverse strength and warning the de- 
clarant and his partner of the risk they will incur 
if the hand is played at their declaration. A dou- 
ble in a measure obligates the partner of the 
player doubled, unless willing to take the chances, 
or perhaps strong enough to re-double, to take 
his partner out of the threatened danger by mak- 
ing another and presumably less dangerous dec- 
laration. This he should undoubtedly do — the 
conditions not being as above stated — if the new 
bid would insure some hope of success, and 
would call for fewer rather than a greater num- 
ber of tricks. To do so, however, with little 
hope of success, and especially when having to 
call a greater number of tricks, would be un- 
sound. In such case one should pass, leaving 
to his partner, the player doubled, the option of 
62 



DOUBLING 

playing the hand at its doubled value, of re- 
doubling, or announcing a new bid. 

The advisability of a double, as in Bridge, is 
often dependent to a certain extent upon the 
score. If the adversaries' score is such that their 
contract, if fulfilled, would enable them to go 
game, a double offering even, or perhaps slightly 
less than even, chances of success, is usually 
good. When the reverse is the case, and the 
normal trick values would not insure game, 
though the doubled value would — assuming the 
contract to be made good — the double would be 
unsound. 

If there is a question between a double and a 
bid which would apparently insure game, we 
should calculate as closely as possible the value 
of the penalties which the double would likely 
insure and be governed accordingly. If at the 
rubber game the chances seem good for a 300 
point penalty, or, at the ordinary game, for a 
200 point penalty, the double should generally 
be called. With a smaller reward in sight, the 
bid should be announced. 

The double of a " one " trick contract, save a 
63 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

** one " trick spade or club, and then, as has been 
explained, as an informatory measure, not in the 
hope of expectation of tho. double standing, is 
both unwise and impolitic, more often than not 
resulting to one's material disadvantage. In fact, 
any double which offers an easy outlet of escape 
should be studiously avoided. The true time to 
double is when the adversaries have been forced 
to so high a contract that they have probably 
overreached themselves and are in a position 
where they cannot escape without encountering 
greater difficulties still. It is then that the double 
accomplishes its sure, deadly and effective work. 

The larger the contract which the adversaries 
undertake, the less the strength required for a 
double and vice versa. A double of a " four " 
trick, or larger, contract may often be announced 
on a comparatively small amount of trump 
strength, if holding some side suit strength. 

A re-double is influenced by much the same 
considerations as those governing a double, and 
reiteration is therefore unnecessary. 

Let me, however, sound a note of warning and 
especially for such players as have a penchant 

64 



DOUBLING 

for illogical and visionary policies and plays. 
The cases are rare and the circumstances unusual 
which warrant a re-double, and if the player con- 
sidering it will but remember that '* discretion is 
the better part of valor," and in the majority 
of cases refrain from the act, a much higher 
score than would otherwise be the case will usu- 
ally be his ultimate reward. 

As a matter of fact, as in Bridge, the soundest, 
best and most experienced players indulge but 
rarely in the always fascinating, but more often 
than not dangerous practice of doubling and re- 
doubling, it being the less sound and illogical to 
whom the process offers fascinations too great to 
be resisted. 



65 



THE DECLARANT'S PLAY 

When the bidding has finally ceased and it is 
known who is the declarant, and whether the 
hand is to be played at a trump or no-trumps, 
the player to the left of the declarant leads to 
the first trick. Then, as in Bridge, dummy's 
hand comes down and the game proceeds. 

The actual play is governed largely by the 
principles governing Bridge play, subject of 
course to inferences from the bids, or lack of 
bids, of the respective players. 

Assuming that the player essaying Auction has 
some previous knowledge of Bridge — this, in 
fact, being essential to his proper advancement 
— I will append a few general suggestions only 
bearing upon the play of the hand. 

The moment dummy's cards are upon the 
table the declarant should take a hasty mental 
inventory of his combined forces, noting his 
66 



THE DECLARANT'S PLAY 

weak points no less than his strong, and, with the 
aid of inferences as to the particular location of 
adverse suits, endeavor to plan and successfully 
carry out what line of play seems to insure the 
best possible results. 

The first object should be to win game. // 
such a thing could be possible, the attainment of 
game at Auction is of even greater importance 
than in Bridge, since at Bridge one can win 
game either as declarant or adversary, while at 
Auction a player can win game only as declarant. 
Moreover, in Bridge one becomes declarant at 
every fourth deal. In Auction it might tran- 
spire that several deals would pass without one 
again being declarant. 

If at the start or as the hand develops, we 
see that game is impossible, we should try next 
for the fulfillment of our contract, relaxing no 
efifort until this end is attained, or it becomes 
evident it cannot be attained. If overthrow 
is inevitable, we should so conserve our re- 
maining forces as to incur as small a loss as pos- 
sible. 

At a no-trump declaration, as in Bridge, we 
67 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

should generally work to the establishment of 
a suit, obviously the suit which is longest in the 
two hands, in doing so taking care when the 
suit is established to have" the lead in the hand 
containing the greater number. The better to 
do so, to avoid blocking, and perhaps to make a 
successful finesse, we should endeavor to make 
the correct lead from the correct hand; usually 
from the hand containing the smaller number of 
cards of the suit to the one containing the greater, 
or from the weak to the strong. 

As it is useless to establish a suit unless there 
is a chance of its being brought in, we should 
look ahead and as far as possible plan for re- 
entries in the hand where the suit is to be estab- 
lished. 

We should make finesses as advisable; dis- 
cards, and our knowledge in many cases of the 
location of the adverse suits, being of help in this 
direction. We should especially guard, however, 
against a finesse on the trick, which, if won, 
would enable us to make game, or make good 
our contract. Still, in cases where a finesse, if 
successful, would give us the rubber game, but, 
68 



THE DECLARANT'S PLAY 

if unsuccessful, would result in the loss of our 
contract by not more than one trick, the finesse 
is generally justifiable, provided the chances for 
success are about even and the declaration has 
not been doubled. 

We should constantly bear in mind the impor- 
tance of leading through the strong and, con- 
versely, lip to the weak. Here again inferences 
from the bids will often prove of help. 

We should note the adverse lead and know 
whether it stands for the leader's suit or his 
partner's. If it is the fourth best card of the 
leader's suit, we should often infer as to the 
particular holding, and profit by inferences from 
the eleven rule. 

The eleven rule is a rule, the use of which 
often enables a player to calculate definitely as 
to number, and approximately as to the value of 
the cards of a suit higher than the one led which 
are not in the leader's hand ; that is, are variously 
distributed among the other players. By reason 
of its very nature the rule can be applied only on 
the lead of a fourth best card. To apply the 
rule we simply deduct from eleven the number 
69 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

of spots on the card led. For instance: — eight 
is led. Eight from eleven leaves three. There 
are then three cards of the suit higher than the 
one led, the eight, which are not with the leader. 
The application of inferences from the eleven 
rule involves at times extremely pretty and 
profitable play. 

The importance of holding up the command 
of the adverse suit until such round as will likely 
exhaust the partner of the holder of what cards 
he holds of the suit — this to handicap the holder 
and make the bringing in oi the suit dependent 
upon his holding re-entry in another suit — is 
fully as great in Auction as in Bridge. To be 
sure there are cases where holding up would not 
be advisable, and it would be better to play the 
command at once; as, for instance, if our side 
holds a long fully established suit, and there are 
enough tricks in sight to insure game ; if we hold 
two commanding cards of the suit, or still an- 
other card that will eventually be in command; 
or if we are defenseless in one suit. 

At a trump declaration, we should note the 
number of trumps in the two hands, as well as 
70 



THE DECLARANT'S PLAY 

what outside strength the hands contain, and plan 
accordingly. 

If holding the majority of trumps, seven or 
more, upon securing the lead as a general thing 
we should at once lead trumps, in the hope to 
exhaust the adversaries and perhaps make good 
an established suit, or high or commanding cards 
of shorter suits. However, the better to insure 
a successful finesse, it is at times important to 
lead the trumps from one hand rather than the 
other, and when this is so, the effort should usu- 
ally first be made to place the lead in the proper 
hand. 

It is generally well also to postpone the trump 
lead if the weak trump hand is void of a suit and 
we can establish a ruflf. Care should be taken, 
however, in the adoption of such a policy, and 
decidedly it should not be attempted if there were 
a chance of being over-trumped. Should the 
trumps in the two hands total nine, two rounds 
generally would exhaust the opponents when, 
unless the shorter hand held originally two 
trumps only, the ruff could then be given with- 
out any contingent risk. 

71 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

A cross ruff (alternate trumping by partners) 
is a pretty and trick-winning play, and should 
be utilized to the utmost whenever the opportu- 
nity for it develops. 

SECOND HAND PLAY on the part of the 
declarant is influenced by a variety of considera- 
tions: the rank of the card led and the evident 
bearing of the lead; the particular cards held of 
the suit led; where it seems expedient to keep 
re-entries, or to have the lead ; and to a greater or 
less degree as to whether the declaration be a 
trump or no-trumps. 

At a trump declaration even on low card led 
it is often well when holding ace of the suit to 
play it and lead the trump. This play should 
always be observed if the ostensible object of the 
lead is to secure a ruff ; or if we may establish a 
ruff in our weak trump hand. 

If able to win the trick in either hand, we 
should do so in the hand least likely to need re- 
entries at a later stage, or where it seems most 
desirable to have the lead. If neither of these 
considerations has any special weight it is often 
well to play low in the second hand in order to 
72 



THE DECLARANT'S PLAY 

capture a high card of the suit from third 
player. 

The cover from a fourchette (a card higher 
and a card lower than the one led) should be duly- 
observed. 

In discarding we must rely chiefly upon our 
own judgment, it being impossible to formulate 
a system which would in any sense cover the ever 
varying situations. We should take special care, 
however, to protect such cards in either hand as 
may be needed for re-entries. 

To sum it up in a word, the declarant's play 
throughout, whether at no-trumps or a trump, 
calls for alertness, judgment and decision; the 
perception to grasp, and the ability to utilize to 
the utmost any situation which promises to the 
ultimate good. 



73 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

As a half compensating measure for the priv- 
ilege which the declarant enjoys in playing the 
two hands — other things being equal, this being 
generally conceded to be worth an additional 
trick — the adversary gets the first chance at a 
lead, and often has it within his power to retain 
the lead until dummy's hand is exposed and he 
has any additional light which it perchance may 
afford. 

As the declarant's aim is to make game, so the 
adversaries' aim is to save game. The adver- 
saries, in fact, are actuated by a twofold motive : 
first, to save game; secondly, to overthrow the 
contract. 

As in Bridge at a no-trump declaration, the 
adversaries usually work to the establishment of 
a suit, but whether to work for one's own suit 
or one's partner's, depends upon several condi- 
tions. 

74 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

If one's own suit be established there is of 
course no question. So, also, if it may be es- 
tablished in one round, and particularly if the 
hand contain re-entry, there is little doubt. 
With less strength, however, and especially if 
the suit be so constructed that it were better led 
to than led from, that is, if it contain a tenace, 
it is generally better to work for one's partner's 
suit, and more than ever, if, because of infer- 
ences from the bids, one has reason to infer his 
suit to be unusually strong. 

When leading to partner's suit, we lead the 
highest card that we hold of the suit, the bet- 
ter to avoid blocking, and to enable partner to 
read just what assistance we can render in the 
suit. 

When leading our own suit, we lead fourth 
best card of the suit, unless holding exceptional 
strength, when we lead high. (A table of leads 
appears on pages y^ to 82.) 

If partner has not indicated a suit and we hold 

two suits of intrinsically equal length and 

strength, one red and one black, we lead the 

black preferably to the red, because of the in- 

75 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

ference that partner, if strong in red, would have 
overbid. Obviously, then, his strength, if he has 
any, is in the black suits. 

If partner doubles the dealer's no-trump bid, 
there having been no intermediate bids, we 
should lead our highest spade. We of course 
infer that partner has an exceptionally strong 
suit, and, that since were it a red suit, or even 
clubs, he would have indicated it by a bid, ob- 
viously it must be spades. Such double and lead 
are known as the spade convention. 

As against a trump declaration, establishment 
tactics are seldom employed, but one resorts 
rather to defensive measures. In other words, 
we aim to make high or commanding cards early, 
before the dealer gets a chance to discard the 
suit or suits in which they occur, and thus pre- 
vent their making at all ; to force partner, and to 
invite a force ; in a word, to play what in Whist 
parlance is known as a running game. 

The best opening lead is from a suit contain- 
ing both ace and king. This gives us a look at 
dummy while we still hold the lead and we may 
then give up the other commanding card, or adopt 
76 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

some other policy, as dummy's hand and the fall 
to the first round may possibly suggest. 

A Singleton lead also constitutes a good open- 
ing lead, and particularly when we are weak in 
trumps. If we can save one or more small 
trumps before the dealer gets in and exhausts 
trumps, we have gained to just that extent. 

The lead of ace from ace and four or more 
other cards, not including king, is also a good 
opening lead. In fact, any suit headed by ace 
and not including king calls for an ace lead. 
However, if this suit contains less than five cards, 
it is often well to avoid leading from this suit, 
in the hope that sooner or later it will be led 
by the adversary, and this ace will enable us to 
capture a high adverse card. 

A king, queen suit also constitutes a desirable 
suit to lead ; in fact, any combination calling for 
the lead of a high card, as queen, jack, ten; 
queen, jack, nine; jack, ten, nine; and king, jack, 
ten. (See pages 79 to 82 for leads.) 

It is not to be inferred that we should not 
often lead our partner's suit preferably to our 
own. In fact, unless having an ace, king suit, a 

11 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

singleton, or a suit justifying the lead of ace, it 
is frequently better to try for partner's suit. 
This is particularly desirable when his bid has 
indicated strength. 

If we can detect that partner is void of a suit, 
we should lead the suit that he may ruff. If a 
cross ruff may be secured, it will redound usually 
to the mutual advantage. 

As in Bridge, we should force the strong ad- 
versary, but never the weak, and whenever pos- 
sible should observe the principle of leading 
through the strong, and, conversely, up to the 
weak. In the event, therefore, that partner 
doubles, we should on no account lead a trump, 
but should endeavor rather to throw the lead to 
him, that the trump lead, if in his judgment ex- 
pedient, may be made by him through the strong 
adversary. 

TABLE OF LEADS 
LEADS AT A TRUMP DECLARATION 

From ace, king only, lead ace and follow with 
king. (This shows no more of the suit and the 
78 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

ability to ruff the third round.) Never lead ace 
when holding king except when you hold ace, 
king only. 

From ace and any other cards, not including 
king, lead ace. Follow with queen if you hold 
both queen and jack. This in order to force the 
king and leave the jack in command. From any 
other combination, follow with fourth best. 
Avoid leading from a tenace suit (ace, queen) 
if you can, unless the suit contains five or 
more cards. Then make sure of your ace at 
once. 

From ace, king and one or more others, lead 
king. Follow with ace unless you also hold 
queen, when you follow with queen; or both 
queen and jack, when you follow with jack. 

From king, queen, with or without smaller 
cards, lead king. When the suit contains other 
cards also, follow with a small card if the king 
wins. If the king falls to the ace, upon regain- 
ing the lead, follow with queen, unless you also 
hold jack, when follow with jack. 

From queen, jack, ten; or queen, jack, nine, 
with or without smaller cards, lead queen, 
79 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

From jack, ten, nine, with or without smaller 
cards, lead jack. 

From king, jack, ten, lead ten. 

From all long suit combinations save as above 
given, lead fourth best, counting from the top 
down. Upon regaining the lead, follow with the 
commanding card if you hold it. If holding 
second and third best cards, follow with second 
best to force the command. 

When leading from a three card suit, lead the 
card heading the suit if it be headed by jack, 
or smaller card; or if it be headed by two high 
cards in sequence. (Exception: from ace, king, 
and one small, lead king.) 

From a two card suit lead the higher card of 
the two. Avoid if possible a two card suit con- 
taining a tenace, as ace, queen; ace, jack; king, 
jack, etc., unless you know this to be your part- 
ner's suit. 

LEADS AT A NO-TRUMP DECLARATION 

From ace and seven or more cards, not in- 
cluding king, lead ace. 

80 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

From ace, queen, jack and others, lead ace, if 
the suit contains seven or more cards, or if you 
have re-entry in another suit. With less than 
seven, and without re-entry, first lead queen in 
the hope at once to force the king and establish 
the suit. 

From ace, king, seven or more in suit, lead 
king. 

From king, queen, seven or more in suit, lead 
king. 

From ace, king, queen, four or more in suit, 
lead king. 

From ace, king, jack, four or more in suit, 
lead king. 

From king, queen, jack; or king, queen, ten, 
four or more in suit, lead king. 

From queen, jack, ten, four or more in suit, 
lead queen. 

From jack, ten, nine, four or more in suit, lead 
jack. 

From king, jack, ten, four or more in suit, 
lead ten. 

From other combinations lead fourth best. 

On the second round generally lead command- 
8i 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

ing card, if holding it, unless it be in sequence 
with one or more smaller cards, when lead low- 
est of sequence. 

Otherwise, if remaining with second and 
third best cards, usually lead second best. 

When leading your partner's suit, either at a 
trump or no-trumps, lead the highest card you 
hold of the suit. 

SECOND HAND PLAY 

As second hand player we generally play low ; 
as a rule, the lowest card we hold of the suit led. 

The principal exceptions may be briefly 
summed up as follows: — 

At a declared trump we should usually cover 
an honor led from strength with ace; at times 
also a small card led. 

We should also cover an honor with an honor, 
other than ace, when the honor in our hand is 
not more than twice guarded. This play should 
be observed though we know that an honor 
higher still, perhaps the ace, is held by third 
player. 

82 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

We should also cover a nine or liigher card 
when holding a fourchette. The object of the 
cover in both these cases (in the event of the 
card played not holding the trick) is to force a 
higher adverse card, and thus compel two high 
adverse cards to the one trick, often in conse- 
quence making good in the hand of partner a 
card of the suit which otherwise would be value- 
less. The cover from the fourchette possesses 
the additional advantage that it promotes a card 
in our own hand. 

We should cover the card led when inferences 
from the eleven rule enable us to read that we 
hold all the cards of the suit higher than the one 
led which are not with the leader, playing the 
lowest of these cards. 

We should cover the card led with the lowest 
of two or more high cards in sequence, unless 
from dummy's holding we see that a still lower 
card will serve as well. 

A good general rule for second hand player 
when sitting to dummy's right is to " beat the 
dummy " if he can. This should not be taken 
too literally, however, or at the expenditure of 

83 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

too great strength. It applies chiefly to cases 
like the following: Dummy holds perhaps 
guarded queen of the suit which his partner 
opens with a small card. We hold guarded king. 
Especially at a trump declaration, when usually 
the guiding motive of our play is to take all the 
tricks in sight, the play of the king is obvious. 



THIRD HAND PLAY 

When as third player we secure the lead at a 
no-trump declaration, we should, as a rule, re- 
turn our partner's suit, unless having an estab- 
lished suit of our own, or a suit which may be 
established in one round, we at the same time 
holding re-entry. 

If in any doubt as to which suit to lead, we 
should give the benefit of the doubt to partner 
and return his suit. The fact that the dummy 
hand contains the command of the suit should 
by no means prevent its return. The command 
must be forced before the suit can be established, 
and generally the sooner this is done the better. 

84 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

However, if the dummy hand contain two com- 
manding cards of the suit, or a tenace, we should 
usually shift to our own suit, or, if it be not worth 
trying to establish, to a suit in which dummy is 
weak. 

In returning partner's suit, we lead the higher 
of two cards, or the lowest of three or more, 
unless holding the command, or both second and 
third best, when, in the one case, we return the 
command, in the other, second best. If we can 
detect that we are longer in the suit than partner, 
these rules should be disregarded and we should 
so lead as to compel partner to give up what 
high cards he holds of the suit, and leave us ul- 
timately in command. So, also, it is often well 
to return the highest, regardless of number held, 
when dummy holds no high card of the suit, and 
we may perhaps lead the jack, ten or nine, and 
beat dummy from the start. 

We should strictly observe unblocking tactics, 
should play the lowest of cards in sequence, and 
whenever possible should profit by inferences 
from the eleven rule. 

At a trump declaration, like our partner, we 
8s 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

should be impressed with the importance of mak- 
ing high or commanding cards early, of forcing 
partner, and of inviting a force; also of forcing 
the strong adversary. 

If partner leads king of a plain suit and we 
hold two cards only of the suit (not an honor), 
or two small and the queen (three in all), to the 
first round of the suit we play the higher of the 
small cards, and to the second round the smaller. 
This play constitutes an echo and encourages 
partner, other conditions seeming favorable to 
his doing so, to go a third round of the suit, it 
being within our power to win with the queen 
or trump the suit. 

The leads, as given on pages y8 to 82, apply to 
third player equally with the leader. 



THE DISCARD 

A slight difference of opinion exists as con- 
cerns the discard in Auction, some approving of 
strength at a trump declaration and of weakness 
at no-trumps. Others, again, advocate weakness 
86 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

both at a trump and no-trumps. Because of this 
difference of opinion it is always well to have 
an understanding on the subject before starting 
in to play. 

In reality it is a difficult thing to adhere strictly 
to any special system of discarding, more depend- 
ing upon the judgment of the player making the 
discard and the perception of his partner than 
anything else. The necessity for the informatory 
feature of the discard being to a great extent 
eliminated because of inferences as to one's part- 
ner's suit often gained from bids, one can use 
more latitude in regard to discarding than is the 
case in Bridge. 

However, the players who adhere to a system 
will find the reverse discard useful when wishing 
to make a departure. The reverse discard is the 
discard first of a higher and then of a smaller 
card of a suit, and it reverses the usual meaning 
of a discard ; that is, when ordinarily the discard 
would show weakness, it would show strength, 
and vice versa. The reverse discard should be 
attempted only when one is pretty well assured 
that the suit which is being led, and to which lead 

87 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

the player starts the discard, will go two rounds 
uninterruptedly; otherwise, one's partner may 
take his clew from the one discard and lead the 
wrong suit. To obviate this danger as far as 
possible, it is well, if otherwise practicable, to 
start the reverse discard with a card as high as 
a seven, thereby the more surely enlisting the 
partner's attention. 

The importance of securely guarding an honor 
or honors in shorter or weaker suits, in the hope 
to prevent the establishment and bringing in of 
the suits by the declarant, needs scarcely to be 
emphasized. 

In discarding from partner's suit, especially at 
no-trumps, we should use care not to discard all 
the cards we hold of the suit ; also, having begun 
to unblock in the suit, as to the particular card 
we discard. Having begun to unblock, from two 
cards only, we discard the higher; from three, 
the intermediate one. A careless discard could 
easily block the suit. 

Except at a trump declaration with the object 
in view of ruffing the suit, the discard of a single- 
ton should be avoided. The discard of the com- 



THE ADVERSARIES' PLAY 

mand of a suit shows complete control of the 
suit. When a player has once led, the discard 
first of a higher and then of a lower card of a 
suit shows re-entry in the suit discarded. 



89 



THREE-HANDED AUCTION 

Three-handed Auction forms a pleasing vari- 
ation of Auction proper and when the requisite 
number is lacking for the four-handed game, 
constitutes an agreeable substitute. 

As in Auction the players cut for deal, the one 
cutting the lowest card securing the deal. The 
player cutting the next lowest sits to the dealer's 
left, and the remaining player to his right. For 
greater convenience four chairs should be ranged 
around the table, or a round table should be used. 

The cards are dealt one at a time from left to 
right, dummy's cards being dealt in their proper 
order, but to the center of the table rather than 
opposite the dealer. 

The dealer bids first, then each of the other 
two players in turn. 

Each bid is an independent bid; that is, each 
player considers his own holding solely with 
90 



THREE-HANDED AUCTION 

reference to the unknown quantity in the hand of 
dummy. 

The player who makes the highest bid becomes 
the declarant and plays his own and the dummy 
hand. When the question as to who is the de- 
clarant is settled, the remaining two players ad- 
just their positions so as to sit opposite each 
other, they, for the time being, acting as partners. 
The player to the left of the declarant leads to 
the first trick, and the declarant then sorts and 
lays face upward upon the table the cards dealt 
to dummy. 

As in the four-handed game, trick scores can 
be made only by the declarant and then only 
when he makes good his contract. Penalties are 
scored in the usual way; also chicane, slam, etc. 
Honors, however, are scored by each player as 
held ; that is, each ace held by a player at a no- 
trump declaration gives him an honor score of 
10 points; or lOO if he holds the four aces. 

At a trump declaration one honor in the hand 

of any player gives him an honor score equal to 

the normal value of the trick; two honors, the 

doubled value of the trick; three honors, the 

91 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

trebled value ; four honors, eight times the value ; 
five honors, ten times the value. For example : — 
one honor held by a player at a spade declaration, 
entitles him to an honor score of 2 points; two 
honors, 4 points; three honors, 6 points; four 
honors, 16 points ; and five honors, 20 points. 

Doubling and re-doubling follow the same 
rules as in the game proper. 

i(X) points are scored in the honor score for 
each game won ; 250 for the rubber. Game con- 
sists of 30 points. Four games constitute a rub- 
ber. Any player winning the first two games 
wins the rubber, and the remaining two games 
are not played. 

To determine finals, add the trick and honor 
score of each player separately. Then subtract 
in turn the two lower scores from the highest, 
and then the lowest of all from the next lower. 
The diflference in each case represents the par- 
ticular gain or loss. 



92 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 



THE RUBBER 

1. The partners first winning two games win 
the rubber. If the first two games decide the 
rubber, a third is not played. 

SCORING 

2. A game consists of thirty points obtained by 
tricks when the declarer fulfills his contract, ex- 
clusive of any points counted for honors, chicane, 
slam, little slam, or under-tricks. 

3. Every deal is played out, and any points in 
excess of the thirty necessary for the game are 
counted. 

4. When the declarer fulfills his contract, each 
trick above six counts towards the game, two 
points when spades are trumps, four when clubs 
are trumps, six when diamonds are trumps, eight 

93 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

when hearts are trumps, and twelve when there 
are no trumps. 

5. Honors are ace, king, queen, knave, and ten 
of the trump suit; or the four aces when no 
trump is declared. 

6. Honors are credited in the honor column to 
the original holders, being valued as follows : 



When a Trump is Declared. 

3 honors held between partners equal value of 2 tricks. 

A << (< (( (( u a a A << 
r (< (( il (( (( <( <( e (< 

4 " " in 1 hand " " " 8 " 

rsthin^ 

4 " " "1 "1 part- 1 " " " 9 " 

1 ner's f 

5 " " " 1 " I hand J " " " 10 " 




3 
4 
4 


When No Trump is Declared. 
aces held between partners count 
" " in one hand 


30. 

40. 

100. 





7. Slam is made when seven by cards is 
scored, independently of tricks taken as penalty 

94 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

for the revoke; it adds forty points to the honor 
count. (Law 87 prohibits the revoking side 
from scoring slam or little slam.) 

8. Little slam is made when six by cards is 
similarly scored; it adds twenty points to the 
honor score. (Law ^y prohibits the revoking 
side from scoring slam or little slam.) 

9. Chicane (one hand void of trumps) is 
equal in value to simple honors, i.e., if the part- 
ners, one of whom has chicane, score honors, it 
adds the value of three honors to their honor 
score ; if the adversaries score honors, it deducts 
that value from theirs. Double chicane (both 
hands void of trumps) is equal in value to four 
honors, and that value must be deducted from 
the honor score of the adversaries. 

10. The value of honors, slam, little slam or 
chicane, is not affected by doubling or re-doub- 
ling. 

11. At the conclusion of a rubber the trick and 
honor scores of each side are added, and two 
hundred and fifty points added to the score of the 
winners. The difference between the completed 
scores is the number of points of the rubber. 

95 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

12. A proved error in the honor score may be 
corrected at any time before the score of the rub- 
ber has been made up and agreed upon. 

13. A proved error in the trick score may be 
corrected prior to the conclusion of the game in 
which it occurred. Such game shall not be con- 
sidered concluded until a declaration has been 
made in the following game, or, if it be the final 
game of the rubber, until the score has been 
made up and agreed upon. 

CUTTING 

14. In cutting, the ace is the lowest card; as 
between cards of otherwise equal value, the low- 
est is the heart, next the diamond, next the club, 
and highest the spade. 

15. Every player must cut from the same pack. 

16. Should a player expose more than one card 
the highest is his cut. 

FORMING TABLES 

17. The prior right of playing is with those 
first in the room. If there are more than four 

96 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

candidates, the privilege of playing is decided 
by cutting. The four who cut the lowest cards 
play first. 

1 8. After the table is formed the players cut 
to decide upon partners, the lower two playing 
against the higher two. The lowest is the 
dealer, who has choice of cards and seats, and 
who, having made his selection, must abide by it. 

19. Six players constitute a complete table. 

20. The right to succeed any player who may 
retire is acquired by announcing the desire to do 
so, and such announcement shall constitute a 
prior right to the first vacancy. 

CUTTING OUT 

21. If, at the end of a rubber, admission be 
claimed by one or two candidates, the player 
or players having played the greatest number of 
consecutive rubbers shall withdraw; but when 
all have played the same number, they must cut 
to decide upon the outgoers ; the highest are out. 
(See Law 14 as to value of cards in cutting.) 



97 



AUCTION BRIDGE 



RIGHTS OF ENTRY 

22. A candidate desiring to enter a table must 
declare such wish before any player at the table 
cuts a card, for the purpose either of beginning 
a new rubber or of cutting out. 

23. In the formation of new tables those can- 
didates who have not played at any other table 
have the prior right of entry. Those who have 
already played decide their right to admission by 
cutting. 

24. When one or more players belonging to 
another table aid in making up a new one, the 
new players at such tables shall be the first to 
go out. 

25. A player who cuts into one table while 
belonging to another shall forfeit his prior right 
of re-entry into the latter, unless he has helped 
to form a new table. In this event he may sig- 
nify his intention of returning to his original 
table when his place at the new one can be filled. 

26. Should any player quit the table during the 
progress of a rubber, he may, with the consent 
of the three others, appoint a substitute to play 

98 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

during his absence; but such appointment shall 
become void with the conclusion of the rubber, 
and shall not in any way affect the substitute's 
rights. 

2^. If any one break up a table, the remaining 
players have a prior right at other tables. 

SHUFFLING 

28. The pack must not be shuffled below the 
table nor so that the face of any card be seen. 

29. The dealer's partner must collect the cards 
from the preceding deal and has the first right to 
shuffle the cards. Each player has the right to 
shuffle subsequently. The dealer has the right 
to shuffle last ; but should a card or cards be seen 
during the shuffling, or while giving the pack to 
be cut, he must re-shuffle. 

30. After shuffling, the cards, properly col- 
lected, must be placed face downward to the left 
of the next dealer. 

THE DEAL 

31. Each player deals in his turn; the order 
of dealing is to the left. 

99 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

32. The player on the dealer's right cuts the 
pack, and in dividing it he must leave not fewer 
than four cards in each packet; if in cutting or 
in replacing one of the two packets a card be 
exposed, or if there be any confusion or a doubt 
as to the exact place in which the pack was 
divided, there must be a fresh cut. 

33. When the player whose duty it is to cut 
has once separated the pack, he can neither re- 
shujffle nor re-cut, except as provided in Law s^. 

34. Should the dealer shuffle the cards after 
the cut, the pack must be cut again. 

35. The fifty- two cards shall be dealt face 
downward. The deal is not completed until the 
last card has been dealt. 

36. There is no penalty for a misdeal. The 
cards must be dealt again. 

A NEW DEAL 

37. There must be a new deal — 

(a) If the cards be not dealt into four packets, 
one at a time and in regular rotation, be- 
ginning at the dealer's left. 
100 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

(b) If, during a deal, or during the play, the 

pack be proved incorrect or imperfect. 

(c) If any card be faced in the pack. 

(d) If any player have dealt to him a greater 

number of cards than thirteen, whether 
discovered before or during the play. 

(e) If the dealer deal two cards at once and 

then deal a third before correcting the 
error. 

(/) If the dealer omit to have the pack cut and 
either adversary calls attention to the fact 
prior to the completion of the deal and 
before either adversary has looked at any 
of his cards. 

(g) If the last card does not come in its regular 
order to the dealer. 

38. There may be a new deal — 

(a) If the dealer or his partner expose a card be- 

fore the deal has been completed. Either 
adversary may claim a new deal. 

(b) If either adversary expose a card before the 

deal has been completed. The dealer or 
his partner may claim a new deal. 

lOI 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

(c) If, before fifty-one cards are dealt, the 

dealer should look at any card, his adver- 
saries have the right to see it and either 
may exact a new deal. 

(d) If, in dealing, one of the last cards be ex- 

posed, by the dealer or his partner, and 
the deal be completed before there is 
reasonable time for either adversary to 
decide as to a new deal. In all other 
cases such penalties must be claimed prior 
to the completion of the deal. 

39. The claim for a new deal by reason of a 
card exposed during the deal may not be made 
by a player who has looked at any of his cards. 
If the deal stands, a card so exposed cannot be 
called. 

40. Should three players have their right num- 
ber of cards, the fourth less than thirteen, and 
not discover such deficiency until he has played, 
the deal stands ; he, not being dummy, is answer- 
able for any established revoke he may have 
made as if the missing card or cards had been 
in his hand. Any player may search the other 
pack for it or them. 

41. If, during the play, a pack be proved in- 

102 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

correct or imperfect, such proof renders the cur- 
rent deal void but does not affect any prior score. 
(See Law 2i7 b.) If during or at the conclusion 
of the play one player be found to hold more 
than the proper number of cards and another 
have an equal number less, the hand is void. 

42. A player dealing out of turn or with the 
adversaries' cards may be corrected before the 
last card is dealt, otherwise the deal must stand, 
and the game proceed as if the deal had been cor- 
rect. 

43. A player can neither cut, shuffle nor deal 
for his partner without the permission of his 
adversaries. 

DECLARING TRUMPS 

44. The trump is declared. The dealer, hav- 
ing examined his hand, must declare to win at 
least one odd trick, either with a named trump 
suit, or at no-trumps. 

45. After the dealer has made his declaration, 
each player in turn, beginning with the player 
on the dealer's left, has the right to pass, to 
double or re-double the previous declaration, or 

103 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

to over-call the previous declaration by making a 
bid of higher value. 

46. A call of a greater, number of tricks in a 
suit of lower value, which equals the previous 
call in value of points, shall be considered a call 
of higher value. For example: A call of two 
tricks in spades is better than a call of one trick 
in clubs; two in diamonds over-calls one in no- 
trumps. 

47. A player may overbid the previous call any 
number of times, and may also overbid his part- 
ner; but he cannot raise his own call unless it 
is over-called by another player in the interval. 

48. The play of the two combined hands shall 
rest with the partners who make the final call. 
When two partners have both made calls in the 
same suit, the one who first named that suit shall 
play the hand, his partner becoming Dummy. 

49. When the player of the combined hands, 
hereafter termed the Declarer, wins the number 
of tricks which were declared, or a greater num- 
ber, he scores toward game the full value of the 
tricks won. (See Laws 2 and 4.) When he 
fails, his adversaries score,^ in the honor column, 

104 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

fifty points for each under-trick; that is, each 
trick short of the number declared. If the 
declaration has been doubled, lOO points ; or 200 
if re-doubled, for each such under-trick. Neither 
the declarer nor his adversaries score anything 
toward game when the declaration fails. 

50. The loss on the declaration of ^' one in 
spades," shall be limited to 100 points for under- 
tricks, whether doubled or not. 

51. If a player makes a trump declaration out 
of turn, the adversary on his left may demand 
a new deal, or may allow the declaration so made 
to stand, the bidding continuing as if the decla- 
ration had been in order. 

52. If a player, in bidding, fails to call a suffi- 
cient number of tricks to overbid the previous 
declaration, he shall be considered to have de- 
clared the requisite number of tricks in the suit 
which he has named, and his partner shall be 
debarred from making any further declaration, 
unless either of the adversaries over-call, or 
double. 

53. After the final declaration has been ac- 
cepted, a player is not allowed to give his partner 

105 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

any information as to a previous call, whether 
made by himself or by either adversary; but a 
player is entitled to be informed at any time dur- 
ing the play of the hand, what the value of the 
final declaration was. 

DOUBLING AND RE-DOUBLING 

54. Doubling and re-doubling affect the score 
only, and not the value in declaring. For ex- 
ample: Two in diamonds will still over-call one 
in no-trumps, even if the no-trump declaration 
has been doubled. 

55. Any declaration can be doubled, and once 
re-doubled, but not more. A player cannot 
double his partner's call, nor re-double his part- 
ner's double ; but he may re-double a call of his 
partner's which has been doubled by an adver- 
sary. 

56. The act of doubling re-opens the bidding. 
When a declaration has been doubled, any player, 
including the declarer or his partner, can make 
a further declaration of higher value in his 
proper turn. 

106 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

57. When a player whose declaration has been 
doubled fulfills his contract by winning the de- 
clared number of tricks, he scores a bonus of 
fifty points in the honor column, and for every 
additional trick that he may make, he scores a 
further fifty points. If he or his partner have 
re-doubled, this bonus is doubled. 

58. If a player doubles out of turn, the adver- 
sary on his left may demand a new deal. 

59. When all the players have expressed them- 
selves as satisfied, the play shall begin, and the 
player on the left of the declarer shall lead for 
the first trick, no matter who dealt. 

60. A declaration once made cannot be al- 
tered, unless it is over-called or doubled by an- 
other player. 

DUMMY 

61. As soon as a card is led, whether in or 
out of turn, the declarer's partner shall place 
his cards face upward on the table, and the duty 
of playing that hand, which shall be known as 
dummy's, and of claiming and enforcing any pen- 

107 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

alties arising during the play, shall devolve upon 
the declarer, unassisted by his partner. 

62. Before placing his cards upon the table the 
declarer's partner has all the rights of a player, 
but after so doing takes no part whatever in the 
play, except that he has the right: 

(a) To ask the declarer whether he has any of 

a suit which he may have renounced. 

(b) To call the declarer's attention to the fact 

that too many or too few cards have been 
played to a trick. 

(c) To correct the claim of either adversary 

to a penalty to which the latter is not 
entitled. 

(d) To call attention to the fact that a trick 

has been erroneously taken by either side. 

(e) To participate in the discussion of any dis- 

puted question of fact after it has arisen 
between the declarer and either adversary. 

(/) To correct an erroneous score. 

63. Should the declarer's partner call attention 
to any other incident of the play in consequence 
of which any penalty might have been exacted, 

108 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

the declarer is precluded from exacting such 
penalty. 

64. If the declarer's partner, by touching a 
card or otherwise, suggest the play of a card 
from dummy, either adversary may, without 
consultation, call upon the declarer to play or not 
to play the card suggested. 

65. Dummy is not liable to the penalty for a 
revoke ; if he should revoke and the error be not 
discovered until the trick is turned and quitted, 
the trick must stand. 

66. A card from the declarer's own hand is 
not played until actually quitted; but should he 
name or touch a card in the dummy, such card is 
considered as played unless he, in touching the 
card, say, *' I arrange," or words to that effect. 
If he simultaneously touch two or more cards, 
he may elect which one to play. 

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY 

67. If, after the cards have been dealt, and 
before the trump declaration has been finally de- 
termined, any player exposes a card from his 

109 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

hand, the adversary on his left may demand a 
new deal. If the deal is allowed to stand, the 
exposed card may be taken up, and cannot be 
called. 

68. If, after the final declaration has been ac- 
cepted, and before a card is led, the partner of 
the player who should lead to the first trick ex- 
poses a card from his hand, the declarer may, in- 
stead of calling this card, require the leader not 
to lead the suit of the exposed card. 

CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR 

69. All cards exposed after the original lead 
by the declarer's adversaries are liable to be 
called, and such cards must be left face upward 
on the table. 

70. The following are exposed cards : 

1st. Two or more cards played at once. 

2d. Any card dropped with its face upward on 
the table, even though snatched up so 
quickly that it cannot be named. 

3d. Any card so held by a player that his 
partner sees any portion of its face, 
no 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

4tli. Any card mentioned by either adversary as 
being held by him or his partner. 

71. A card dropped on the floor or elsewhere 
below the table or so held that an adversary but 
not the partner sees it, is not an exposed card. 

'J2. If two or more cards be played at once 
by either of the declarer's adversaries, the de- 
clarer shall have the right to call any one of such 
cards to the current trick, and the other card or 
cards are exposed. 

73. If, without waiting for his partner to play, 
either of the declarer's adversaries should play 
on the table the best card or lead one which is 
a winning card, as against the declarer and 
dummy, and continue (without waiting for his 
partner to play) to lead several such cards, the 
declarer may demand that the partner of the 
player in fault win, if he can, the first or any 
other of these tricks, and the other cards thus 
improperly played are exposed cards. 

74. If either or both of the declarer's adver- 
saries throw his or their cards on the table face 
upward, such cards are exposed and are liable to 
be called ; but if either adversary retain his hand 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

he cannot be forced to abandon it. Cards ex- 
posed by the declarer are not liable to be called. 
If the declarer should say,-" I have the rest," or 
any other words indicating that the remaining 
tricks or any number thereof are his, he may be 
required to place his cards face upward on the 
table. His adversaries are not liable to have any 
of their cards called should they thereupon ex- 
pose them. 

75. If a player who has rendered himself liable 
to have the highest or lowest of a suit called 
(Laws 82, 89 and 97) fail to play as directed, or 
if, when called on to lead one suit, he lead an- 
other, having in his hand one or more cards of 
the suit demanded (Laws 76 and 98), or if, called 
upon to win or lose a trick, he fail to do so when 
he can (Laws J2i^ 82 and 97), he is liable to the 
penalty for revoke, unless such play be corrected 
before the trick is turned and quitted. 

LEADS OUT OF TURN 

"jd. If either of the declarer's adversaries lead 
out of turn, the declarer may either treat the 
112 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

card so led as an exposed card or may call a suit 
as soon as it is the turn of either adversary to 
lead. 

'jj. If the declarer lead out of turn, either 
from his own hand or from dummy, he incurs 
no penalty; but he may not rectify the error 
after the second hand has played. 

78. If any player lead out of turn and the 
three others follow, the trick is complete and the 
error cannot be rectified; but if only the second, 
or second and third play to the false lead, their 
cards may be taken back; there is no penalty 
against any except the original offender, who, if 
he be one of the declarer's adversaries, may be 
penalized as provided in Law 'jd. 

79. A player cannot be compelled to play a 
card which would oblige him to revoke. 

80. The call of an exposed card may be re- 
peated until such card has been played. 

81. If a player called on to lead a suit have 
none of it, the penalty is paid. 



"3 



AUCTION BRIDGE 



CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY 

82. Should the fourth hand, not being dummy 
or declarer, play before the second, the latter may 
be called upon to play his highest or lowest card 
of the suit played, or to win or lose the trick. 

83. If any one, not being dummy, omit play- 
ing to a trick and such error be not corrected 
until he has played to the next, the adversaries, 
or either of them, may claim a new deal ; should 
they decide that the deal is to stand, the surplus 
card at the end of the hand is considered to have 
been played to the imperfect trick, but does not 
constitute a revoke therein. 

84. If any one play two or more cards to the 
same trick and the mistake be not corrected, he is 
answerable for any consequent revokes he may 
have made. This rule does not apply to dummy. 
If during the play the error be detected the tricks 
may be counted face downward, to see if any 
contains more than four cards ; should this be the 
case, the trick which contains a surplus card or 
cards may be examined and the card or cards re- 

114 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

stored to the original holder, who (not being 
dummy) shall be liable for any revoke he may 
meanwhile have made. 



THE REVOKE 

85. A revoke occurs when a player, other than 
dummy, holding one or more cards of the suit 
led, plays a card of a different suit. It becomes 
an established revoke if the trick in which it 
occurs be turned and quitted (i.e., the hand re- 
moved from the trick after it has been turned 
face downward on the table) ; or if either the 
revoking player or his partner, whether in turn 
or otherwise, lead or play to the following trick. 

86. The penalty for an established revoke shall 
be: 

(a) When the declarer revokes, his adversaries 
add 150 points to their honor score. This 
penalty is not affected by the declara- 
tion's having been doubled; but it is in 
addition to any liability which the revok- 
ing player may have incurred through his 
failure to fulfill his contract. 

"5 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

(b) When either of the adversaries revoke, the 
declarer may either add 150 points to his 
honor score, or he may take three tricks 
from his opponents and add them to his 
own. Tricks taken as penalty for a re- 
voke may assist the declarer in fulfilling 
his contract, but they shall not entitle him 
to score any bonus in honors in case the 
declaration has been doubled or re-doubled. 

87. Under no circumstances can the partners 
score anything, except for honors in trumps or 
no-trumps or for chicane, on a hand in which 
either of them has revoked. 

88. A player may ask his partner if he has a 
card of the suit which he has renounced ; should 
the question be asked before the trick is turned 
and quitted, subsequent turning and quitting does 
not establish a revoke, and the error may be cor- 
rected unless the question be answered in the 
negative, or unless the revoking player or his 
partner have led or played to the following trick. 

89. If a player correct his mistake in time to 
save a revoke, any player or players who have 
followed him may withdraw their cards and sub- 
stitute others, and the cards so withdrawn are not 

116 



LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

exposed. If the player in fault be one of the 
declarer's adversaries, the card played in error is 
exposed and the declarer may call it whenever he 
pleases; or he may require the offender to play 
his highest or lowest card of the suit to the 
trick, but this penalty cannot be exacted from 
the declarer. 

90. At the end of a hand the claimants of a 
revoke may search all the tricks. If the cards 
have been mixed, the claim may be urged and 
proved if possible; but no proof is necessary, 
and the claim is established if, after it has been 
made, the accused player or his partner mix the 
cards before they have been sufficiently exam- 
ined by the adversaries. 

91. A revoke must be claimed before the cards 
have been cut for the following deal. 

92. Should the players on both sides subject 
themselves to the revoke penalty, each is pun- 
ished at the discretion of the adversary ; but the 
declarer cannot, whatever may have been his 
previous score, add anything to his trick score in 
a hand in which he has revoked. 

93. The penalty for a revoke may be claimed 

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AUCTION BRIDGE 

for as many revokes as occur during a hand ; but 
in no event can the total penalty exceed the value 
of seven by cards. (See Laws 7 and 8.) 

GENERAL RULES 

94. There must not be any consultation be- 
tween partners as to the enforcement of penal- 
ties. If they do so consult, the penalty is paid. 

95. Once a trick is completed, turned and 
quitted, it must not be looked at (except under 
Law 84) until the end of the hand. 

96. Any player during the play of a trick or 
after the four cards are played, and before they 
are touched for the purpose of gathering them 
together, may demand that the cards be placed 
before their respective players. 

97. If either of the declarer's adversaries, 
prior to his partner playing, call attention to the 
trick, either by saying it is his, or without being 
requested so to do, by naming his card or draw- 
ing it toward him, the declarer may require such 
partner to play his highest or lowest card of the 
suit led, or to win or lose the trick. 

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LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

98. Either of the declarer's adversaries may 
call his partner's attention to the fact that he is 
about to play or lead out of turn ; but if, during 
the play of a hand, he make any unauthorized 
reference to any incident of the play, the declarer 
may call a suit from the adversary whose turn it 
is next to lead. 

99. In all cases where a penalty has been in- 
curred the offender is bound to give reasonable 
time for the decision of his adversaries ; but if a 
wrong penalty be demanded none can be en- 
forced. 

100. Where the declarer or his partner has in- 
curred a penalty, one of his adversaries may say, 
*' partner, will you exact the penalty or shall I ? " 
but whether this is said or not, if either adver- 
sary name the penalty, his decision is final. 

NEW CARDS 

• loi. Unless a pack be imperfect, no player 
shall have the right to call for one new pack. 
If fresh cards are demanded, two packs must be 
furnished. If they are produced during a rub- 
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AUCTION BRIDGE 

ber, the adversaries shall have the choice of the 
new cards. If it is the beginning of a new rub- 
ber, the declarer, whether he or one of his adver- 
saries be the party calling for the new cards, 
shall have the choice. New cards must be called 
for before the pack be cut for a new deal. 

102. A card or cards torn or marked must be 
replaced by agreement or new cards furnished. 

BYSTANDERS 

103. While a bystander, by agreement among 
the players, may decide any question, he must on 
no account say anything unless appealed to ; and 
if he make any remark which calls attention to 
an oversight affecting the score, or to the exac- 
tion of a penalty, he is liable to be called upon 
by the players to pay the stakes (not extras) lost. 



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27 liiii 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



